On Lumpy Rugs and Cluttered Corners

For those of us who have a tendency to sweep unpleasantness under the carpet, or shove the uglies of our life in a closet, I have a few thoughts on this matter.

A matter, I'm guilty of myself. 

Because, pushing the bad, sinful, hurtful things aside makes living life easier.

Doesn't it?

I'm not so sure. 

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He reveals deep and hidden things;
    he knows what lies in darkness,
    and light dwells with him.
Daniel 2:22 NIV

I found myself in this conversation about how easy it is for us to hide our misconducts and shortcomings, sweeping them under the rug, or locking them behind closed doors. But then we go about our daily lives as if everything is fine and dandy. No worries. We have this. We can even plaster on a big smile as we walk into church and go through the motions.

It even seems harmless. No big deal, when I think about it. I'm dealing with my problems in my own way. Who needs other people interfering? I'm even good with God. I go to His house weekly for a visit. Send up a few prayers and sing a few uplifting songs.

And if He comes knocking, because He does promise that He will come knocking, then I'll meet Him at the door...

Which is the question that plagued me... 
Does sweeping things under the rug really fix anything? Or do we end up setting up a prison for ourselves?

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I know how I am when my house is messy and someone unexpectedly stops in for a visit. I stand at the door, smile politely, and try not to invite them in.

By sweeping aside those things we don't care to deal with, is this how we are reduced to dealing with God?

"Oh, hi. Nice of you to stop by. I'm a little busy... tired... on my way out... (fill in the blank with your excuse for not sitting to visit with the Lord.)  I've come up with a lot in the past. 

And why? Because I didn't want to have to deal with the uglies. I certainly didn't want anyone else to know they were there. We become vulnerable when we throw open our doors and let people in. Especially God, who kind of likes to pick up lumpy rugs and open up those locked doors, and push the couch pillows aside that are hiding our dirty socks and unwashed plates.

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So, we're reduced to greeting the world at the door. 

Or private lives become our prison. We're uncomfortable allowing people in too close, or sharing too much. 

But, thankfully, the Lord isn't one to give up on us so easily. 

He doesn't care much for being greeted at the door, you know? Who does? He also loves us so much, He's eager to come in, desiring to spend time with us, and... yes, to flip back those carpets and open those locked doors. Because if we keep sweeping things away, we're going to end up tripping over and over again. 

Who is the man who fears the Lord?
    Him will he instruct in the way that he should choose.
His soul shall abide in well-being,
    and his offspring shall inherit the land.
The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear him,
    and he makes known to them his covenant.
My eyes are ever toward the Lord,
    for he will pluck my feet out of the net.
​Psalm 25:12-15 ESV

What I've realized is that the Lord doesn't march into our lives, chastising us for all the mess. He doesn't sneer at our lumpy carpets in disgust. He doesn't demand that we unlock our closets. He doesn't do any of these things. 

He gets us. He gets us because He lived, walked, and grew up among us. 

And He died for us, so our uglies and messes no longer separated us from Him. His desire is that we find peace in our lives. That we clear out the clutter so we can let others in. Most of all, He wants us to be totally free, relaxed, and happy.

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Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Hebrews 4:14-16 

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Don't be afraid.  Open wide your doors.

Allow the Lord in. He will help you sort through your mess with gentleness and love. Let him in, he gets it. He gets us. He truly understands the things we go through. 

His desire is to work with you, not against you. There are too many promises in the Bible that attest to this. 

Let him in. Let's roll up our sleeves and tackle the messes. One at a time. He won't overburden us. He won't give us more than we can handle, either. 

Are you ready? Fling open those doors!

 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:29-30 NIV