Turn the Key This Instant!

We Americans own a lot of STUFF. We collect it and store it all in our homes (which, whether we rent or own, we also pay an arm and a leg for). And when we max out our storage capabilities, we swap out “old” or worn out stuff for new, improved, “better” stuff. It’s just the way we roll.

Now, when we leave our massive storage units (homes) for the day, we do little more than turn the key and go. Not a second thought is wasted. Our stuff, in all of its expensive glory, is sitting there – free for the taking – if we only neglect to turn that bolt. That one, small, tiny piece of metal. When it slides into place and sits there, it keeps out the bad guys. It doesn’t do anything fancy. It just stands in place and denies the chance that anyone could waltz in through the door and walk out with our treasures. Little do we think about how small our piece of protection is in light of the sheer volume of stuff it is protecting. But without it we are foolish; we set ourselves up for great loss.

In much the same way, the Holy Spirit is the deadbolt of our lives. When we engage the Holy Spirit through prayer, we turn the lock and tap into His mighty protecting power. When we fail to pray, we leave the intricacies of our lives susceptible to attack, damage and thievery. We grow distant and we doubt His ability to work on our behalf. We think, “It’s just a two-inch piece of metal, what can it really do for me?” And so we neglect a life-giving, powerful and protected relationship with the living God because our perception is off. We know the “stuff” of our lives (our relationships, health, circumstances, attitudes, etc.) is valuable, but we don’t “turn the deadbolt” of prayer to engage the Holy Spirit because we doubt.

Is the house of your life under protective guard? Or are you prone to attack, if not perhaps enduring an invasion even now? The bad guys are eager to come in, and they won’t wait for an invitation. But prayer is your deadbolt. Are you turning the key?

“Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.” 2 Timothy 1:14

“If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” Luke 11:13