NACR Daily Meditation

[NACR Daily Meditation]

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NACR Daily Meditation for Friday 09th of January 2015  

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Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. 
If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, 
I will come in and eat with him and he with me. 
Rev. 3:20 

Some people enter without knocking. It happens. Our boundaries have not always been respected. As a result, we have built some significant defenses. Our doors have multiple locks. When needed, they can be latched, barred, bolted, double bolted and sealed securely.  

As we begin the healing process, however, we begin to experiment with allowing our defenses to come down. We unlatch one lock at a time.  

Nothing is more helpful in this process than having people who respect our boundaries - people who will knock and wait patiently for an answer. So, this picture of Jesus is full of good news for us. Jesus stands at the door and knocks. It is pure invitation. God does not invade. God does not demand. God does not manipulate. God gently, persistently knocks. God says 'here I am, I would like to spend time with you'. 

Recovery is a process of learning to trust God. Trust grows slowly. We can't do that all at once. But perhaps today we can listen carefully for a knock. Tomorrow we may be able to manage a "who is there?". And, with persistence, we will some day sit at table with God and enjoy God's loving presence. 

Lord, thank you for knocking.
Thank you for respecting my boundaries.
And, thank you for knocking persistently.
It takes me a while to respond 
because my doors have so many latches.
Give me courage this day 
to open the doors of my life to you. 
Amen. 

Copyright  Dale and Juanita Ryan 

Dale Ryan is an Associate Professor of Recovery Ministry at Fuller Theological Seminary. Juanita Ryan is a therapist in private practice. You can read Juanita's blog at www.juanitaryan.com


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