How to Keep the Enemy Out and Let God In

In Psalm 24, David speaks of relocating the sacred Ark of the Covenant. On top of the ark was a visual symbol of the presence of God. As the ark was traveling toward its resting place in the temple, there was unprecedented worship along the way. David called for the people in the city to open the gates and doors of Jerusalem so the presence of the King of Glory could enter the temple.

The Psalmist mentions two points of entry, gates and doors. In ancient times, gates and doors were built to be swung open to grant access or closed to deny access to what was on the inside; they had no mechanisms to move them up or down. But, in this passage of scripture, the gates and doors are commanded to be lifted up. Therefore, in this psalm, we are not talking about the normal way of opening and closing gates and doors.

We can find a spiritual symbolism in this psalm pertaining to the sinner and the church of today in the operation of gates and doors. The lifting of gates and doors in a Christian’s life is a command that must be followed in obedience. Spiritually, the lifting of a gate or door is a swift action that quickly locks out an approaching enemy, whereas attempting to swing a gate or door closed would take longer, giving the enemy an advantage.

The scripture says, “Lift up your heads.”  The head in itself is a place of authority and rule. It stands in authority above all other parts of the body. But, when our heads are lifted before God in worship, we are granted a God-given authority and rule at a higher level than normal. The glory of God begins to manifest in our lives because when we welcome His glory with praise and worship, He grants us authority over anything that may come against us. We can then rule over our fleshly desires.

When we follow the command to lift our heads, we have been called to look to Jesus and live. We have been ordered to stand at attention and expect a divine entrance into our situation. The one entering is not your regular visitor; He is the King of Glory, your Deliverer. He is “The Lord, strong and mighty.”

Where Christ is lifted, and our problems and circumstances before Him, the door to everlasting life with Him will also be opened, and remain open as long as our worship is lifted towards Him. But, for an unbeliever, it’s the opposite.

When an unbeliever refuses to follow the command to lift his head in worship and refuses to repent of their sins, they willfully walk through doors that lead to more sin, wickedness, and ultimately, everlasting damnation.

God’s people are the gates or divine gatekeepers who guard the entrance into the doors of their livelihood. As long as there is worship in their lives, God’s presence will be everlasting. The presence of God will be ushered and welcomed in as a permanent resident. He will be a mighty warrior, going to battle on their behalf.

Although Christ has opened the door of everlasting life for all to enter, closing the door of everlasting damnation has become a major challenge for saints and sinners who have to deal with issues that have been passed down from one generation to another. But, Christ has brought the gospel, the good news that the doors of habitual sins, shady backgrounds, and generational curses that prevent you from advancing towards everlasting life can be closed and locked completely.

Anything that hinders your progress towards everlasting life with the King of Glory must be lifted in the name of Jesus. Give Him access to your total being. He must be exalted as strong and mighty; anything or anyone else that is lifted is powerless.

Satan wants access to every part of your life, but it’s up to you to keep every door, every entry point secure. You must deny Satan access to your goals, marriage, calling, prosperity, job, spiritual freedom, etc. Don’t get stuck in bondage behind those doors of the flesh that oppress you.

Satan will lie in wait for however long it takes for an opportunity to invade your domain. He will never give up. Satan is like a snake lying in wait for the opportunity to strike and inject his paralyzing venom of pain, depression, loss, self-righteousness, and spiritual bondage. Keep in mind that he can’t enter into a locked and secure place of someone who is spiritually alert at all times.

It’s easier and most important to resist Satan at the point of entry rather than trying to expel him after he has gained access to your affairs. What gives him access? Every broken relationship, bitterness, financial hardship, lustful thoughts, gossip, backbiting, and the list goes on.

If any of the aforementioned vices or any act of disobedience are not lifted before the Lord, an open door is left wide open, inviting Satan to have free reign. How many doors have you left open for demonic entry? You are in a spiritual battle for your soul. Obedience to God and His Word is the key that opens the door of victory while locking out every enemy attack. Resisting your intruder secures your domain. When we approach Christ correctly in worship, He will come in.

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.” (James 4:7-8)

You are a divine gatekeeper. Resist every “unauthorized” visit, whether it be sickness, loss, lustful desires, etc. Satan may bang on your gates from the outside, and may even attempt to barge inside every door, but you have been commanded to lift your doors, your life’s pressing situations to God. If you lift them to God alone, Satan can’t gain access.