The Garrison of the Heart
Words of Faith 7-10-26
Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy © 2026
Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com
Faith Fellowship Church - Melbourne, FL
www.faithfellowshipweb.com
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CONTEXT OF THESE DEVOTIONS: The book of Nehemiah tells the story of a leader who heard of the great need in Jerusalem and responded to God's call by rebuilding the city's walls to make it safe. Most of the people of Israel were taken away into exile in Babylon in 586 BC. This was allowed as a punishment from God because Israel had worshiped idols and had been unjust to the poor. The exile began with the terrible defeat and devastating destruction of Jerusalem. The fabulous Temple of Solomon was destroyed and looted by the Babylonians, and the city was leveled. Finally, the period of punishment ended, and groups of Jews returned to Jerusalem and began rebuilding the Temple in about 538 BC. But Jerusalem remained weak and unprotected with the walls in ruin for nearly 100 years. Nehemiah heard this and prayed earnestly. As the cupbearer for the King in Persia, who had conquered Babylon, he heard from God and obeyed.
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Nehemiah 7
[1] After the wall had been rebuilt and I had set the doors in place, the gatekeepers and the singers and the Levites were appointed. [2] I put in charge of Jerusalem my brother Hanani, along with Hananiah the commander of the citadel, because he was a man of integrity and feared God more than most men do.

Okay, members of the choir, praise team, and worship leaders– get ready, get set, GUARD! That's right. Part of your duty is to protect the city, secure the gates, and watch the walls. Right along with the gatekeepers, we find that Nehemiah assigns the temple singers and the Levites (who attended to the details of worship) to the guard detail.

It's pretty clear that the physical wall, while very important, was not the ultimate source of security. The battle for security is not against flesh and blood but powers and principalities of this dark age. It is a battle waged in worship, prayer, praise, and intercession.

Are you insecure? Do you feel "safe"? Physical walls are important. There is a place for locked doors and windows to be sure. But there is also an insecurity that is never calmed by physical fortification. This is probably because much of our insecurity has deeper roots.

The truth is that we feel most insecure when we are not connected with the God of the universe, who is in control of all things. We may even have known the security of His love at one time in our lives, only to drift away. We may seek security in other material fortifications, such as the clothes we wear and the cars we drive. But as long as we are not fundamentally connected with our loving Father, it is for naught. We may struggle long and hard to control our own destiny and fortune, only to find ourselves less secure than when we started.

What is the answer? God’s Word instructs us through the Apostle: "Rejoice in the Lord always." I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:4-7). The word “guard” literally means to build a garrison. He will garrison your heart with His peace.

We need to fortify the gates of our lives with personal, intimate worship of our Lord. We need to build up the walls through prayer. When we enter into worship, the walls are suddenly patrolled by a heavenly force of angelic sentries.

Lord, fortify the gates of my life. Draw me so near to You that Your security will guard over my heart and very life. Wean me away from worldly sources of security that prove empty in times of trial. Give the peace which surpasses understanding to guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus. In His Name, Amen.

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© Jeffrey D. Hoy 2025
Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy - Faith Fellowship Church (EFCA)
2820 Business Center Blvd.
Melbourne, Florida 32940 (321)-259-7200
Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com
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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is quoted from the New International Version (R) of The Holy Bible. Copyright (c) 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved. Words of Faith (c) 1997, 2025 Jeffrey D. Hoy.