June 19: The Closet of the Heart

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Dr TerryAnn Robinson
Kings SDA church 

Key Text

12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Colossians 3:12-14

The story is told of a woman who invited Jesus to her house. The lady showed Him the living room and a comfortable sofa for entertaining visitors. She showed Him the kitchen where she had often prepared food for those in need. She took Him to the bedroom, and showed Him where she knelt to pray daily. After the tour, she invited Jesus to sit in the living room and make Himself at home. To her surprise, instead of sitting in the comfortable chair she had prepared for Him, He stood in front of a small closet.

"Lord, there is nothing in there worth seeing. That closet is filled with some old things I've had for a long time. It's not fit for public viewing," she explained. Jesus looked at her and said, "My child, that's exactly where I want to be. I am here to clean up that closet for you.”

This allegory represents so many of us today. As people get to know us, we show them everything we have that is going right. They see our successes, they hear about our victories, and the pictures we share give an image of perfection.

But what about that closet?

In that closet may be pain, disappointment, depression, anxiety, and doubt. Jesus is not a friend who is interested in our show and tell. He looks beyond what others see and goes to the closet of our hearts. He wants us to let him in where He can clean out our faults and fault-finding, our besetting sins and pride, our hurts and unforgiveness, our pains, our guilt, and our shame. Once all these are out, He doesn't leave us empty. He invites us in Colossians 3: 12-14 to clothe ourselves in compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, and in His Love.

Friends, God won't knock down your closet door. He stands waiting to enter the closet of your heart. You don't have to hide anything from Him. The truth is, He already knows what's behind the door. Your messed-up life cannot shock Him. Your hidden thoughts and desires are not a surprise to Him. He just wants to clean you up. It's time to open that door and let Jesus in today.

Prayer

Dear Jesus,

I come to You today with a humble heart, seeking Your grace and mercy. I ask that you cleanse my heart and soul of pain, disappointment, and the burdens I have been carrying. Help me to let go of the guilt, shame, and anxiety that weigh me down. I want to be clothed in Your love and Your peace. Amen.




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