On Tuesday morning, I decided to shovel away the snow left in a drift by the church’s back door, in preparation for Thursday’s restocking of the food pantry. It was a sunny, but cold day, and the drift wasn’t going to disappear on its own. By the time I was done, most of the snow was gone, but some snow and ice still remained. That didn’t worry me, because I figured that with most of the snow removed, the sun would warm the concrete and melt what little was left … and I was right. So, what’s my point, you ask.
Just as the snow was a barrier to the sun warming the concrete and melting the ice, so can there be barriers to the Son warming our hearts and melting away what encumbers us. Like removing the snow, it may take some action by an outside source, namely the prompting and conviction of the Holy Spirit. But, once that happens action is required on our part. In the case of sin, clearing the way for the Son to warm our hearts usually requires confession, repentance, and setting things right. With other barriers, it requires diligent prayer, day after day. In some cases, it may even require professional help. But, once the barrier is removed and Christ warms our hearts, our whole outlook is changed, and we can move forward in our relationship with Him and in the work He’s given us to do.
Do you have any “snow drifts” getting in the way of God warming your heart today? If so, pray for God’s help, and then, do your part to remove it/them. Then, pay special attention to the words as we sing the first verse of Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee and make it your prayer today:
Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee, God of glory, Lord of love;
Hearts unfold like flowers before Thee, opening to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness; drive the dark of doubt away;
Giver of immortal gladness, fill us with the light of day!
In His grip,
Pastor Decker
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