Wall of Protection

Nehemiah 12: 31 I had the leaders of Judah go up on top of the wall. I also assigned two large choirs to give thanks. One was to proceed on top of the wall to the right, toward the Dung Gate.

The wall in Jerusalem had been restored and now was being detected to the Lord. It was a joyful day with praise and thanks giving. The choir was called together with the musicians and the whole town came out to celebrate. As I read this I began to ponder on the words of many of the songs we sing in church today. We sing of walls being torn down, not up.

Walls have a dual purpose: keeping things in or keeping things out. The songs that we sing are about removing the walls that hinder us or imprison us. This is not the reason for building the wall in Jerusalem, to imprison the people. No, it was to protect the people. I have often heard people pray for a “hedge” of protection, I have prayed this myself. But when is the last time you heard someone pray for a wall?

I do not want strongholds in my life or family, however, I do want a “wall” of protection over them. It took a deep passion and conviction to rebuild the wall in Jerusalem; it will take the same in my life. I can’t just be satisfied with freedom, but I must guard it as precious. Just because I am saved does not mean I go around unprotected. There are places and things I have no business going around; attitudes, language, and conduct that must be protected if I am to remain safe in the arm of Christ. We need to build walls of protection in our marriages, with our children, and in our families.

So, how do we do this?

· Set boundaries. (Example: we will not watch rated R movies, nothing with sex scenes) Let your family know the boundary and why.
· Be accountable. Discuss the boundaries with an accountability partner. Someone strong in Christ that will encourage you.
· Pray. Pray specifically for an area or a person. (If you have a hard time in this area try using some pray guides. I recommend books by Stormie Omartian.)
· Fast. Separating yourself for direction and answer to pray is hard but most effective.

Lord, thank you for reminding me that there are walls that I need to pray over my family. I give Ant, Isaiah and Leia into your hands today. Cover them and strengthen them I pray amen.