It’s pretty easy for me to allow angst to creep into my life. All I have to do is scroll the news feed on my phone, then turn to commentary on social media. I’ll face the demise of the world order, chaos in the streets, all my rights taken away and climate catastrophe. But no worries, I’ll find plenty of stuff to buy in order to distract me from the real problems I face.

Certain thieves prove more effective than others in getting into our personal space. While some push recognition, others promise money and pleasure. The 24/7 news cycle steals calm, and converting politics into a religion creates anger. Medicating it all with alcohol or food opens a side door, and constant advertising never lets us close any egress. The phone in my hand opens a gateway to mental anguish. Thieves of my soul don’t need to sneak in the window because I unlatch the door and leave it swinging open.

Fortunately, Jesus offers a better way.

I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that you may have life and have it abundantly.

The door of Jesus promises protection from looters of my soul. In Him in find a true state of quality. My life opens to relationships of depth while the allure of shiny things fade. I edge away from self-centeredness and learn to think of others as I think of myself. Best of all, Jesus pours out this type of living in abundance. Lavish, copious, overflowing — mass quantities of grace and peace.

Lock out the thieves. Instead, choose life in abundance by opening the Jesus door.

John 10:9-10

Photo by Jan Tinneberg