A Time to Tear Down
Key Verse to Read and Treasure
A time to tear down (Ecclesiastes 3:3, ESV)
For Insight
There is some tearing down that can be constructive and fruitful. We spent the summer months tearing down weeds that had made their way up the fence behind our house. We couldn’t just pull them or cut them away, some had to be forcefully torn down. When we look out from our window or deck, now, the area is so much more attractive and uncluttered. At times we have torn down fences or something that had become an eyesore. When the job was done everything looked much better.
There are other kinds of tearing down that serve good purposes, such as when the Bible instructs us to demolish strong holds, bringing every word captive that has been ill spoken and has a stronghold over us. This too is a good and profitable thing.
Then, there is a type of tearing down where no one benefits, in fact, its damaging to others emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually. That kind of tearing down is often initiated by the devil, the world, and sometimes we have learned to do it to ourselves from things that have been planted deeply within us. This kind of tearing down is destructive, and the devil rejoices and gloats when he surveys the damage done. There are people who feel it’s their job to tear us down. They don’t know it but many times its their own insecurities and feelings of inadequacy that prompt them to do this. There is always someone, whether out in the world or close to us, who is willing to verbally attack us, rip away our good feelings, happiness, joy and peace of mind. Whenever they have something to say it is never positive, good, or encouraging, only demeaning, critical and dark. They are fulfilling the devil’s purposes of tearing down.
Verbal attacks, no matter where they come from: the world, the devil, our own misguided thoughts, are no different than if we take a rake or sharp instrument to tear something away. If there is one thing you can count on in this world it’s that you will experience times, even long seasons where being torn down is all that seems to come your way. Don’t take it personally and start doubting yourself or believing what you hear, even though it feels personal. But know as surely as there are times you will experience the brutalness of being torn down God has a season and time for building you up. A time ahead for strengthening and treasuring you. God is not far away, nor unobservant. He hasn’t turned his back on you and will not leave you empty nor spiritually or psychologically destitute or destroyed. Wait on him, he will come, and you will be built up, renewed, filled with joy, hope and self-worth. Let God’s truth become your foundation for building upon.
Check Yourself
How do you react to being torn down? Are you filled up with the truth and promises of God that help you shake off what you are hearing or does the destroyer have an impact on you, you have a difficult time overcoming?
Praying Ecclesiastes 3:4
Jesus, your rich promises keep me going especially when I am being torn down. Thank you for staying with me and helping me put difficult seasons in perspective. Because you are with me, I am not defeated only made stronger in every sense. Amen
Digging Deeper
Devotionally Yours 