Shut In On Purpose

Usually, “shut-in” makes us think of someone who’s ill or has limited mobility. But did you notice the title lacked a dash? Today, I’m talking about being shut in by choice.

During devotional time, hymns or choruses often come to mind. Today, it was a chorus led by my dad. He had a good voice and would often lead the congregation in a chorus before preaching. No music needed.

I learned “Shut in with God” as a chorus. I didn’t know it was a song with three verses until I did a web search today. I found no record of who wrote it or when, but I’m retired and my memory of this song goes back about fifty years.

Let’s look at it closely:

Shut in with God in a secret place,

There in the Spirit beholding His face,

Gaining new power to run in the race.

I long to be shut in with God.

It came to mind today when I shut off my cell phone so I could concentrate on prayer.

Corporate prayers have their place, but private prayer is not to be neglected. Jesus often went by himself to pray (Matthew 14:23; Mark 1:35, for example).

In *Matthew 6:6, Jesus taught that we, too, should have a time of private prayer. He said, “Go into your room, shut the door, and pray to your heavenly Father. He will see your secret private prayer and reward you openly.”

Prayer is a healthy spiritual choice. Jude says we are to keep ourselves in God’s love and build ourselves up in our holy faith by prayer. (Jude 20-21).

It’s great to go to the gym and make healthy food choices for our physical bodies. But we need to apply the same care to our spiritual lives. The truth is that we make time for things that are important to us.

Do you make it a point to be shut in on purpose? Yes? Great! You know what a blessing it is.

No? Why not? It’s an important spiritual decision. Plan to make a change today!

Pixabay: Window/Door; AILes.

*Based on this scripture, the Kendrick Brothers created a popular movie called “War Room.” If you haven’t seen it, check it out online. It’s well worth your time.