Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.
To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.
Revelation 3:20 NKJV
We recently sang an old hymn that I really like. The title is Time after Time He Has Waited Before or the Savior is Waiting
Verse 1 says, “The Savior is waiting to enter your heart, why don’t you let him come in? There’s nothing in this world to keep you apart, what is your answer to Him?” And then the chorus says, “Time after time He has waited before and now He is waiting again to see if you’re willing to open the door. Oh, how He wants to come in.”
In today’s world, we know we must be cautious about who we allow into our homes. We can no longer leave doors unlocked and we can no longer invite just anyone in who knocks on our door. We must also be very careful about who we allow into our hearts.
But sadly, we often allow those in who are dangerous to us and keep the One out who can save us. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 5:11, “But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner-not even to eat with such a person. And in 1 Corinthians 15:33 Paul warned, “Do not be deceived: Evil company corrupts good habits.”
Sin looks appealing, it tastes good and it feels good. Otherwise, we would not want to sin. This is why if we are not careful, we will open our doors to it. Once we get involved in sin, it becomes more like bondage. We were lured in by the temptation, but then we find ourselves unable to get out.
We all face temptation. The devil knocks on our door. If we open it just a crack, he can bust through and take over. This is why we must be so careful to not let him in. The only way to keep him out is to live in the shelter of God. Psalm 91 talks of how God protects us from the evil in this world. Verse one tells us we must choose to live in His shelter. He never abducts us and forces us to live under His protective embrace.
When we are confronted with the temptation to sin, we must remember what Paul said in 1 Corinthians 10:13, “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”
We will face many temptations in this world. We don’t need to invite bad company to join us. We don’t need to be corrupted by someone who plots evil and chooses to reject Jesus Christ. We need to draw near to God. James tells us in James 4:7-8 to submit to God, resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. He goes on to say, “Cleanse your hands you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”
I would hope you wouldn’t let just anyone into your home. I would also hope that you would not allow bad company to corrupt your heart.
God knocks at your door. But unlike the devil, He won’t try to force His way in. He waits to see if you will open the door. He wants to come in, but he waits for you to open the door. Will you?
When we let God into our hearts, we can count on Him in times of trouble. We can have the peace and joy that His presence in our lives brings. God is waiting. Open the door and let Him come in.
Have a great day!