Desert Gods

I suppose if you walk in the desert long enough God leads you to a place where you realize you have erected other gods.  The children of Israel demanded Aaron give them a god to serve.   My weak flesh finds another god to serve.  I read this statement, “Fear is the guard that stands outside the castle where our idol lives…fear protects our idols”¹ and it strikes me to the core.  The fear in my heart rises into my throat and I know God and I must deal with this head on for His Spirit in me longs for Him to be the center of my heart sanctuary.

With God’s help I begin to search, I ask Him to examine my heart, and a stronghold of the enemy is found.  “Lack” has become a god and built a fortress to “protect” my heart.  Satan has fed me a lie and I have bought it hook – line – and sinker.  The Spirit reveals all the lies…

Lack of security…lack of worth…lack of acceptance…lack of homeschooling abilities…lack of parenting abilities…lack of finances…lack of friends…lack of good company…lack of ability to be used by God…

Fear has stood guard at the gate and it is hard to say goodbye for the fear of the giants.  Fear of hurt and pain if rejected – again.  Fear of emptiness, loneliness, disappointment.  My soul aches behind these strong walls, I crave their “protection”.  The Spirit speaks – the walls are a prison holding me captive.  Captive to years of wasting away behind the strong tower. 

Father, how do I destroy this false god?

The story of the rich young man has come up in my Bible study more than once over the last few weeks.  He craved eternal life, he sought to live a holy life, following all the rules.  But there was another god in his life.  Jesus remedy…

“Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack, he said, Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and then you will have treasure in heaven.  Then come, follow me.”  Mark 10:21

…lack more² – give up the idol that stands between you and God.  I don’t have to stay imprisoned.  The idol that stands in the way – together God and I can clean house and make room in my heart for the promises of God.

“With man this is impossible, but not with God, All things are possible with God.”  Mark 10:27

“I don’t have to close off doors to people in my life anymore.  I can invite them in.”³

The truth is, Jesus is my stronghold.  He is my fortress. I search the Scriptures and find the do not fear verses.  Together we can turn this prison into a sanctuary of the Lord’s presence, for in Him my heart can rest secure.

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the  Almighty.   I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”  Psalm 91:1-2

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¹ Kelly Minter, No Other Gods, p.49

² Kelly Minter, No Other Gods, p.112

³ Anadara, No Other Gods, p.113