Beautiful Houses
By Kendra Osborn
"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."
Matthew 7:24-27
There are so many beautiful houses and I can't help but notice them when I'm out walking with my kids or taking a drive around town. I often wonder as I pass them what they look like inside, what flavor the décor is, or what the layout of the house might be.
Last summer, I took my kids to one of our neighborhood parks, and as we were leaving I decided to take a different route home. I had never really noticed this street but I couldn't believe all the beautiful houses. I kept looking at them and wondering what they were like on the inside. There was one house in particular that was fascinating to me. I made a comment as we passed it how beautiful the house was.
My oldest son, who holds me accountable for a lot of things and he doesn't even realize it, made a profound statement in response. What came out of his mouth after I expressed my like for this house was such truth, that it made me think of the spiritual side to all the houses I seem to gawk over.
He stopped walking and looked at me and said two of the most important statements with such childlike faith and boldness. He said, "Mom, you need to be happy with the house you have and even though that house is beautiful, you don't know what the inside looks like. It could be a mess inside."
How true his statements are and how we need to heed what the word of God says. After my son spoke that truth into my life I started thinking of all the things that go on in the world and in our own lives. God really got a hold of my heart that day for the brokenness in so many of the homes, both the physical and the spiritual.
We are in a crisis and we live as if nothing is wrong. There are homes and people who are falling with a great crash when the storms come. Their beautiful homes, both the physical and the spiritual, have been built on shifting sand instead of a firm foundation.
We need to go before the throne of the Most High and pray for restoration in our homes, the homes around us and in our lives. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 says "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body." (NIV)
We have become master artists at covering up the messes in our homes. My son is absolutely correct; the outside of the house looked so beautiful and pristine. Everything about the front of the house appeared to be perfect. But was it to hide the mess on the inside? Haven't we become good at covering up the mess that is on the inside of us?
I remember the times in my life where I could clean up so well, but inside I was dying. I was so good at creating a false appearance because I was terrified of anyone finding out how dirty I was on the inside, and I lived in such shame and embarrassment. I didn't believe there was any way to become washed out and clean.
God is a God who can restore and rebuild the destruction in our lives. He loves to clean out and wipe away the sin of our past and mend our wounds with His balm. We can go boldly before the Lord and seek His forgiveness which He freely gives and desires to pour out on us.
When we build our house on the Firm Foundation, the Rock of Jesus Christ, we will survive the storms of this life. We can rest assured that God will take all the brokenness and all the ashes and crown us with beauty. He will soak us in His oil of gladness and remove the mourning. And He will clothe us in a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.
Pray with me: Lord God, take our hearts and place them in the center of Your hands. Hold them close to Your chest and let us feel the rhythm of Your heart beat. Pour into us Your oil of gladness and restore the years the rust and moths have destroyed. Rebuild our temples and restore our homes, both the physical and the spiritual.
God, only You have the power to take the dirt and grime of our lives and turn it into something beautiful for Your glory. It is for You we ask and desire such things so that You will be glorified. Let us come before you with a spirit of brokenness and posture of humility; let us be willing to give You our entire lives so You can work in us as You please. Forgive us for the plastic homes we try to present, both physically and spiritually. Invade our lives, invade every space in our home and make it Yours. I cry out for the children that are living in a home that looks beautiful on the outside but inside is a wreck and for those families who don't know You; who find their identity in the world rather than their Creator.
God, redeem us and forgive us for making our bodies, the temple of God, into something that is grieves You. Father, we give you our bodies right now, as an act of sacrifice and worship, offering them up to You to be holy and pleasing. Lord, we love You, we praise You and ask for You to come in and make our hearts a resting place. Dwell in us as Your permanent chambers. In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, Amen!