Walls

<<fortifications>>

The Bible records many cities being surrounded by fortified walls, with substantial gates controlling access. These were shut at night or when under threat as a means of defence from enemy attack. Prior to its defeat Jericho was “shut up tightly. No-one went out and no-one came in” (Josh 6:1). The walls normally channelled all the movement of people through the gates were it could be closely monitored (Act 9:24,25).

Vulnerability was a major issue when the walls were in disrepair. It was imperative to deal with any issues quickly for safety and security (Neh 1:3, 2:13,17, 4:9,13, 6:15). A comparison may be made between a city whose walls are broken down and a person who lacks self-control as neither is ideal (Prov 25:28). Satan was aware of the hedge or spiritual covering that was around the life of morally

upright Job and needed permission from God to breach it (Job 1:10-12). However, if there are broken down defences in my spiritual life, caused by sin, neglect or not being in right alignment under authority, Satan can legitimately gain access to my life to harass (Eph 4:27; 1 Pet 5:8).

Give attention to the weakest points of your life which provide the least resistance to the hostile influences of temptation and implement safeguards, building up the walls of your defence and keeping a close watch on the points of entry (Neh 5:16, 7:3). Jesus emphasised the significance of protection in His illustration of the sheepfold (Jn 10:1,9). The physical barriers provided safety and entry by any way other than the gate indicated that evil intent was planned.

Even when the walls appear intact, they may be penetrable, and many seemingly secure people have been brought low by not guarding some area whereby the enemy subtlety infiltrates and is not rebuffed. Seeing and hearing inappropriate material can soon lead to impure thoughts, sinful practices and habits. There needs to be regular searching and cleansing of one’s life in the light of God’s Word, with a sensitivity to the Holy Spirit together with open and honest accountability to other mature Christians (Ps 139:23,24; Phil 4:8).

Humans also create emotional and social barriers as a defence mechanism to avoid repeat, unwelcome experiences. Fear of commitment needs to be addressed and forgiveness exercised so trust can be established to form good relationships, overcoming the isolation, withdrawal and anti-social behaviour. Unaddressed issues or ‘baggage’ of the past needs confronting to enable healthy, open wholesome communication. When we come before God He has outstretched arms wanting to embrace us, not shunning or rejecting us in any way. His ear is ever open to us provided we are not walking in sin (Ps 66:18).

Some walls are good, some are bad, and it is vital to know the difference. The emotional walls of isolation and fortified structures of sin and religion need to be demolished while walls of protection and defence requiring building up and strengthening to ensure the security of what is valuable. We have at our disposal spiritual weapons with divine

What walls do I need to build or tear down in my life?

power to demolish strongholds, as when the walls of Jericho fell down (2 Cor 10:3-5; Heb 11:30). We have other resources for personal protection including the Bible, prayer and the Christian community. Physically or spiritually, any structure able to stand the test of time needs to have a good firm foundation (Mt 7:23-27). We are to give special attention to the guarding of our heart as it sets the tone for all we do (Prov 4:23).