Parallels: Home and Spiritual renovation— Insulation
(This is part of a series on what I learned through the process of renovating our home, and the parallels to a life yielded to and experiencing God’s work in renovating our life and spirit)
After consulting with the contractor who framed our 3-season porch, we decided to hire an insulation company to ensure it was adequately protected from the cold winter and hot summer days. The company was prompt and skillful, and their work went far beyond the scope of what I could have done on my own. The entire structure was tightly sealed by a combination of spray insulation, fiberglass batting, foam board, caulking, and plastic sheeting. It was then covered by vinyl siding. I was told that we would feel the difference in the winter, and we did! The 3-season porch stayed fairly warm even on the coldest days. Even the best insulation has limitations, however, so we purchased a ceramic space heater to keep the porch’s temperature warm, even on the coldest winter days.
As humans we are naturally inclined to try to insulate ourselves from physical, emotional, and spiritual harm. The world, as beautiful as it is, can also be a dangerous place. Not everyone can be trusted, not every claim is true, and every day can bring new dangers as well as opportunities. It is okay to have some insulation from the things that can hurt us.
Here’s a caution: Not every type of building insulation is healthy, and some can even be deadly. Asbestos was used for a long time to insulate homes, schools, and plumbing. It turned out to be a dangerous, deadly material. I know, because my father and 2 uncles died from mesothelioma, a cancer caused by exposure to asbestos in their work.
Just as there are some forms of building insulation that are dangerous, some of the ways we try to insulate ourselves can also harm us. We understand that the human tendency for “fight or flight” is in our nature. Avoidance, withdrawal, and mistrust are insulating behaviors that sometimes have merit, but sometimes don’t. Escape behaviors such as alcohol, illicit drugs, casual sex, pornography, and deceit may provide for momentary escape, but will actually cause deep harm in physical, emotional, relational, and spiritual ways. So too, some motivational behaviors like busyness, an insatiable career drive, and the need to always be in control, may lead to unhealthy relationships and to an unhealthy life if not applied with prayer and wisdom..
The problem with all those things is that they can’t really guard our hearts and will ultimately erode our souls. Moreover, they can even become a false barrier—like deadly, unhealthy insulation— from the only one who can really protect us: God.
My decades-long experience as a Christ-follower has led me to look back and see how God has—over and over—brought me through life’s ups and downs as an unfailing Father, Protector, and Friend. There are many passages from Scripture that I embrace, pray, and voice as God’s Truth. I hold onto these words—God’s Words—as spiritual and emotional insulation for my soul. While there are many passages throughout the Bible that speak of God’s protective care, here are a few I love from the Psalms—I invite you to voice them to God:
“You, O Lord, are a shield about me; You’re my glory, the One who lifts my head high” (Psalm 3:3)
“[God] will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield…” (Psalm 91:4)
“You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance” (Psalm 32:7)
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1)
“You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.” (Psalm 119:114)
“We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield.” (Psalm 33:20)
“As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him.” (Psalm 18:30)
Did you catch that? God shields ALL who take refuge in him. No matter what you’re going through, where you’ve been, what you’ve done or haven’t done, God is here for you. He promises to be the unfailing One who insulates and shelters us under His care— if only we ask.
Finally, like the space heater in our 3-season porch, the way to keep our soul warm and alive is to experience the glowing fire of God’s presence within. His promises and presence never fail. God will be there for us throughout this life and eternity.
God bless you.
Chris Atkins