When we go through traumatic experiences, sometimes the only way we think we can protect ourselves from unbearable pain is to build "walls."

At one time or another we have all erected invisible mental walls that allow us to pretend things are not the way they really are and to insulate us from further hurt.

It could be protection from facing the death of a loved one...the distant move of a close friend...a child leaving home for the first time to go to college or to marry. All of these situations, and many others, constitute major traumatic adjustments that could easily cause us to build walls.

This is when we draw back emotionally from that person or situation so that our walls will block the deep pain of separation and loss.

But, dear one, the tragic thing about walls is that in blocking us from the pain, they also block us from the healing hand of God, keeping us from the help He longs to give us in our deepest needs.

"For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion; in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock" (Psalm 27:5).

Dear God, I have suffered a deep hurt and look to You this night for healing and hope. Search me, O Lord, and find my walls. I ask You to tear them down so that Your love can flow freely to deliver me from my sorrow. Thank you, Father. In Jesus' Name, Amen.