Does Your Heart Need Renovation?

“You thought you were being made into a decent little cottage: but He is building a palace. He intends to come and live in it Himself.” C.S. Lewis

Do you enjoy exploring historic neighborhoods? Back in early March, before COVID turned things upside down, I had a day to ramble around Charleston, South Carolina. It had been years since I’d visited this historic city, and it still captured me with its elegant charm. The weather was idyllic as I strolled past the grand homes on Meeting Street. Each home had a unique character. Some were Victorian. Others were Georgian. I admired the famed Charleston Singles with their swoon-worthy side porches. I marveled at the exterior architectural details but longed to see inside. You see, it’s the inside that really creates a dwelling place.

Scripture tells us we ourselves are dwelling places. “That according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.” (Eph. 3:16-17) We are lovingly fashioned to accommodate the most important resident – the One who is Love Himself.

Pause and consider for a moment. God wants to make your heart His home. So what is the condition of your heart? Is it a fitting home for the King? Truthfully, most of our hearts could use some renovation. We all have cracks in our foundation or cobwebs in the corners. Maybe we’ve built walls that need to come down or added furniture that’s cluttering things up.

The good news is He doesn’t expect us to do the renovation ourselves. When we give Him the keys to the house, He comes in and does the work Himself. But it’s up to us to give Him total access. Ask him what needs to go. Maybe you’re holding on to unforgiveness or bitterness. Those can really block out His light. Perhaps, you’ve built up walls of fear that are preventing peace from flowing. Let Him tear down those walls. He wants nothing more than to pour His love into the places where your heart is broken and wounded. When this happens, your interior begins to take on His character. This is a a lifelong process, but the result is eternal — a palace fit for a King, which is a heart overflowing with His love.