Knocking

Recently I was quite taken by the contrast in messages between Revelation 3:8 and Revelation 3:20.  Revelation 3:8 is the text that talks about how God has set before us an open door:

Revelations 3:20 gives the all-too-often unfortunate contrast of our own closed door, where God stands asking us to let Him in:

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. . ."

It's rare, but I HAVE had a close friend who had an "open door policy" - where I knew I could just announce myself and walk inside without standing at the door - waiting and hoping to be let in.  Even then, I don't think it was a true open door policy, as there would have been times when I would not have been comfortable doing that - for instance late a night after my friend was asleep.   

But as we see in verse 8, God has a very clear open door policy with NO EXCEPTIONS.  How amazing is that?  The King of the Universe does not stand on ceremony, but welcomes us to just come right on in!  What is my own policy?  Is the door to my heart open? closed? or even locked?  Is it wide open for my Heavenly Father to come in at any time? Is it open to those around me? Or do I hide behind a closed door?

As I think about this, I start to think about WHY.  Why might one choose to keep a closed and maybe even locked door?  The clear answer seems to be fear and a lack of trust.  Fear that someone will walk through that door and hurt me; a lack of trust that my Heavenly Father will protect me.

So, here we have two contrasting ways of behaving.  What is my choice today?

Heavenly Father, I want to be more open in all my dealings - with you and with others. This is a scary thing for one as private as I tend to want to be, but I choose to trust you more and ask that your perfect love cast out any vestiges of fear in my life.  Father, once again today I open my heart to you and ask that you come in and fellowship with me this day.  I look forward to a day full of fun and fellowship!  Thank you, Father!