Proverbs 25:28
He that cannot control his own emotions is like a city without walls and on the verge of collapse.
In ancient times the most effective defense that a city could possess was usually a large thick wall of protection, one which surrounded the entire city and its inhabitants; the higher and thicker the wall, the better.
We have such walls even today. However, they are not made of stone and hardened clay. The walls that we have built around our cities and nation are made of a strong and prosperous economy, a noble and merciful people, a powerful and well-trained military, and a justice system where the rule of law and an honest and upright government reign supreme! It is the power and strength of these walls that will allow any nation to rest in peace and safety!
There was a city that existed in the Middle East some four thousand years ago called Jericho. Jericho had two large walls. An outer wall some twelve feet tall and four feet thick; and yet another inner wall some thirty feet tall and over fifteen feet thick! Israel conquered Jericho by breaching not only the outer wall of Jericho, but more importantly the very powerful inner one!
In order for any city to remain safe and protected it must possess not only a constant strength from the wall without, but a constant vigilance from the one within. If one thing history has taught us, it is that there is no wall too high, that it cannot be breached; and no city or nation too strong that it cannot fall. Therefore, the true power of any city or nation rests not in the strength of its outer wall, but rather the determined integrity of the inward one. That inner wall is the power and strength of the heart and justice of any people, city, or nation. It is this power, and this power alone, that stays the hand of any dangerous and determined enemy! Enemies will rarely charge the wall of a city of a just, courageous and fearless people!
Life rarely falls apart first from without. Mankind and his life is always first broken down from within! If our heart remains strong and tall, then the walls of our mind cannot be easily breached by enemies of self-doubt, fear, and stress.
I have learned that there are many circumstances that I cannot control; however, I can control the state of my heart and mind! I do have a choice as to how I want to live, and how I will react to the challenges that I face each and every day. I might not be able to control outside influences, but I can keep my life and family safe by staying vigilant upon the inner wall of my life and keeping my heart strong, courageous, and humble!