You need to put up a wall in your life. A tall, strong and reinforced wall.
There are many references to walls in Christianity—and it’s usually about a wall that needs to come down—whether it’s walls within the heart, walls between relationships, walls dividing the church, or shouting down walls á la Joshua at Jericho.
But I’m here to tell you that there is a wall that God wants us to have—and it’s the only wall we need to have.
This isn’t about President Trump’s border wall. So everyone just calm down. 😉
Actually, the wall I’m talking about is more like Nehemiah’s wall.
Nehemiah was working as a cup-bearer to the king of Persia. He had received word that the remnant of Jews in Jerusalem were in dire straits:
“And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire.
And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of Heaven” (Nehemiah 1:3-4)
The wall protecting Jerusalem had been taken down by enemies, and the people were in “great affliction”—as evil actions were inflicted upon them. They lived lives of “reproach” which meant—in Bible times—to be disgraced, and living in shame.
Nehemiah was very grieved, and burdened for the people of Jerusalem. He knew that their current condition was partially the end result of their continuous sin and disobedience.
This continuous sin and disobedience had caused a patient God to finally remove His hand of protection over them. Then—and only then— were their enemies able to overtake them, and tear down the wall.
The enemy can’t just take down an entire wall overnight. That can only happen through long periods of weakness, disorder, and neglect.
Nehemiah prayed, and God gave him the desire to be tasked with rebuilding the wall. God paved the way for him—not only did the king grant him permission to leave, but he also gave him access to his forest for lumber.
If you have a desire in your heart—and that desire has been put there by God—He will pave the way for you to make your desire a reality. It may not be easy—in fact, it probably won’t be easy. But as you pray and take faithful, obedient steps, you will clearly see open doors, favor and direction.
Full of faith and boldness, Nehemiah went to Jerusalem. He spoke with the few rulers that were left, and encouraged them to rebuild the wall. When they realized Nehemiah had been sent there by God, they were motivated to get started.
But their adversaries laughed at the very idea of this wall, and belittled Nehemiah and the rulers. Through their taunts, they desperately tried to get them to back down.
They knew that the wall would be so much more than just some stones and lumber. Rebuilding the wall would mean a renewed identity and strength for the people of Jerusalem. Once the wall was finished, Jerusalem would no longer be under their control.
Because evil is no match for those who are secure in their identity, and strong in their boundaries.
The building team ignored the taunts, and got to work. It must have been so exciting—their hope increasing as each stone was set in place. They knew that this was wall had to go up—and, with the power of God, it certainly was going to go up.
Interestingly, the stones they were using to rebuild the wall were the very stones that had formed the previous wall, which had been knocked down. Heaps of ruined stones lying around, detached and in disarray. But with God’s help, each stone was put into a new place, and given a new purpose, as part of a new wall.
If you ask, and release it all to Him—God can use the rubble of your life to form new strength.
When their adversaries realized that this thing was actually getting built, they doubled down with their opposition. They mocked the Jews, attempting to weaken their faith.
They said things like, “What do these weak Jews think they are doing? What will they make out of this heap of rubbish? Even a fox could knock down that wall!”
But Nehemiah and the building team were determined—and they didn’t stop.
Eventually, the enemy realized their words were still having no effect. So they planned sneak attacks.
But God made the builders aware of their evil plans. As they were encouraged to remember the strength and power of the Lord, they made the decision that they would not fear. They were prepared to fight, if necessary, for the wall—and for everything they believed in.
The Bible says that as half of them worked, the other half held spears, shields and bows—and every builder kept a sword at his side.
Have you been spiritually harmed in some way? Do you live in shame?
Put on your sword, and get ready to build your wall.
Nehemiah and the building team finished the job—the wall was completed, and it became a powerful declaration to all. It was evidence of victory, safety and security—and a renewed identity for the people of Jerusalem. They could live in strength and dignity once again.
All around the city, the people quickly regained their confidence. They no longer had to feel the constant threat of danger from the enemy. Now that all of the breaches in the wall were closed, the enemy could no longer sneak in among them, under cover of darkness.
Darkness is the enemy’s favorite tool—he always hopes that we’ve left some element of darkness remaining within our lives. Under cover of darkness, the enemy can chip away at what God has built. This will ultimately result in weak places—even gaping holes—in our protective wall.
“Neither give place to the devil.” (Ephesians 4:27)
The Bible says that when their enemies heard that the wall was completed, they were very discouraged—because they knew that God was behind this great accomplishment.
Word got around to people in other places—some had escaped Jerusalem earlier, and thousands of others had been taken captive into Babylon. The gates were opened for them, and—in strengthened faith and courage—they returned to Jerusalem in droves.
As the identity of the Jewish people continued to be redefined, a tremendous revival took place.
The Bible describes those days, as people got back into reading, studying, and listening to God’s word. They confessed their sins, and worshiped the Lord in their newfound freedom. In fact, they spent half of every day in the word, confessing their sins, and in worship.
They began to walk with the Lord once again, as they performed actions of obedience. They repented of their sin, and separated themselves from those who could lead them astray.
In all of this, they enjoyed a renewed relationship with God. Their faith increased as they were able to enjoy their sabbath rest once again.
Your identity in Jesus Christ—and your relationship with Him—is like living in your own walled city.
It defines who you are.
It keeps you separated from the unbelieving world, and it’s fruitless pursuits.
It draws your boundaries. It surrounds you, and protects you from attacks.
It keeps evil from reigning over you.
Its security gives you peace and joy. It gives you the space and freedom to rest.
And—as you dwell safely within it’s borders—there is no shame from the result of sin.
Your city is ruled by the One Almighty King, and you are subject to Him only.
What exactly is the “wall” of your city?
Your wall is your confidence in Christ—in all that He is—and in your salvation that you receive through His mighty work on the cross.
In parts of Isaiah which prophetically refer to Christ, and the holy dwelling place of His people, it declares
“…but thou shalt call thy walls Salvation, and thy gates Praise.” (Isaiah 60:18b)
We have a strong city; salvation will God appoint for walls…” (Isaiah 26:1)
Your wall is also your self-control, submission, and obedience to Christ.
“He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls” (Proverbs 25:28)
Your city—your life within Jesus Christ—is the most precious thing you have, and it must be your highest priority.
Do you mourn for who you used to be, or who you want to be? The person you know you should be, in Christ Jesus?
Ask God for the strength, wisdom and courage you need. He has already paved the way for you to do this.
Then get to work on your wall—your Holy barrier. Patch it up. If it’s been knocked down, then rebuild the whole thing.
Guard it. Fight for it. Protect it, at all costs.
“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
When our walls are standing tall and sure, and our fortress in God is secure—the enemy’s own strongholds are in jeopardy, just as they should be. Because we have the power through Christ Jesus to resist the enemy, and the renewed confidence to do it.
Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:3-5)
Cast down every imagination—every thought—that goes against your confidence in Jesus Christ. Every lie that makes you doubt your salvation in Him.
Cast down every imagination—every thought—that causes loss of self control, tempts you into sin, and results in disobedience.
It always starts with humility, and that can be hard at first. But the results of your obedience will soon win you the confidence that you need.
Because when your enemy sees a strong and secure wall around your life—just as they did in Nehemiah’s day—they see much more than a wall.
They see a whole city, held and protected by the God they most certainly know is there.
God—right there within you.
Living within you—and watching.
Watching—and protecting—the only wall you’ll ever need.
