There Are Too Many Closed Doors

Let be start off by saying I am by no means a biblical scholar, but this is what God laid on my heart when I took time to look back on a year that’s been marked by more unexpected twists and turns than I’ve ever experienced in my entire life. So often we hear people say “If God closes one door, He’ll open another one” OR “If God closes a door, He’ll open a window”.  When you’re in recovery from a door being closed in your face, do these phrases bring you any peace? Of course they don’t.  Because when you are in the middle of your transitional season it is hard to see the light in the midst of the darkness. 

Most people are too attached to the past, to what they are familiar with, and therefore, miss opportunities that stand right in front of them. This is why it is so difficult to see another past the closed door.  What if I told you those closed doors have perks? Closed doors provide clarity if you are willing to acknowledge them for what they really are…an opportunity to be reminded of God’s active involvement in your life.  A closed door can direct us away from something or someone that meant us harm.  We do not see the full picture, but God does.  It is in seasons of closed doors that we feel the sudden weight that we are not in control. Praise God we are not in control.  Closed doors do not mean that God has forsaken you or denied you something that was meant for you.  Closed doors sanctify Christians.  Sanctification is denying you something you think you want or need in exchange for something better, Christ.  Don’t try to pry open closed doors.

Doors may close, but there are always, other, unlimited number of doors – new opportunities. The world is full of opportunities, if we could only see them. The Infinite Power is boundless, and so the possibilities are without number.  Not every plan works out. Sometimes, there are losses and failures. Sometimes, there are problems in relationships. Sometimes, people lose their money or job, or meet other unpleasant things. We don’t always have control over these events, but we can exercise control over our mind and attitude.  When one of these events happens, and we focus our attention on the loss – the closed door, we see only a closed door with the resultant frustration and unhappiness.  If we could only move our sight and attention away from the closed door, we might be surprised to discover new, open doors.

We here quotes such as: 

“When one door closes, another door opens, but we so often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door, that we do not see the ones which open for us.”
– Alexander Graham Bell 

“When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one, which has been opened for us.”
– Helen Keller 

These two quotes are very true.  Read them again and think about them.  

It might not be so easy to move our eyes elsewhere, due to attachment to the old and familiar, and fear of the new and the unknown. You may ask how can you free yourself from past attachments and see the new opportunities? How can you bring yourself to see, and enter the new doors that open for you? It all starts with what we focus on.  Are you focused on the closed door or are you looking around for the next opportunity? Are you mourning over the loss of that one door instead of wondering why it was shut in the first place?  

In order to enter in to that stage where you can see past the closed door and the thought of what could have been you must adjust the narrative you are telling yourself.  Here are some ways to successfully over come your season of closed doors:

1. Ask yourself why was this opportunity closed to me? Possibly for my betterment?      

2. Be more aware of your thoughts.  When toxic thoughts enter your mind make sure to rid them with a positive one. 

3. Develop stronger self discipline and your ability on what you focus on.

4. Start implementing positive affirmations and meditation to help you calm your mind

With time and intentionality you will see the reason(s) for the closed doors.  You will realize what they kept you from and how you are better off because of them. The road is hard, but once you develop the tools to see past the pain you will see there is a world of endless opportunities.