When God Closes a Door
by Annie Yorty ©2022
In the twists and turns of life, we all have, or will, experience the disappointment of a closed door. A time when God stops us from moving in the direction we planned. It’s best to be prepared with an effective strategy for when God closes a door.
Acute sadness blasted through my heart as cruelly as the icy air blasted through my thick down coat. I was out for a walk that evening with Misha, our furry beast labradoodle. I love to walk during a softly falling snow, but that night the precipitation had turned to sleet before I made my way outside. Whenever I lifted my head, pellets of ice driven by the stiff wind stung my cheeks. I didn’t turn back though. It doesn’t snow that often in my region, so I took advantage of the opportunity.
What caused my dejection?
If you love to bask in summer humidity, you’ll think I’m crazy. The bitter weather reminded me of a place I love—Siberia. God has sent me there many times over the last fifteen years, mostly in the dead of winter. People both in Siberia and America always wonder, “Why don’t you come in the summer when it’s warmer?”
I have been there in summer, and it’s beautiful. But most years I go in January or February when temperatures dip well below zero Fahrenheit. While there, I minister to orphans, widows, the poor, homeless, and addicted, sharing the good news of Jesus. Though their needs clamor every day of the year, winter is relentless. When I show up there in such harsh weather, it communicates how much God loves them. Only the love and compassion of God compels one to leave a comfortable warm home to travel to the other side of the world in such conditions.
But for the past three Januarys, circumstances prevented me from traveling. I need not remind you of the pandemic and resulting worldwide fallout. It’s impossible for me to go to Russia right now, but my heart longs to be there. To visit and share the Gospel of Jesus. To hug my beloved interpreters and other co-laborers in Christ. For reasons I cannot comprehend, God has closed the door to Siberia, at least for a time.
Has God ever closed a door in your life? How do you cope with the emotions—disappointment, grief, pain, frustration, maybe even anger? Let’s discover the wisdom found in the psalms to guide us when God closes a door.
What next steps should we take when God closes a door?
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Reflect your feelings to God.
Whatever feelings you experience when God closes a door are normal. We all have feelings. They’re part of how God designed us. But they’re not always reliable for decision making or action. Still, we must figure out a constructive way to cope with them. King David, who wrote many of the psalms, is a great example for us.
O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge (Psalm 62:8 NLT).
Through this psalm, David urges us to talk to God about all our emotions. God will not strike you if they’re “wrong.” On the contrary, He will comfort you and guide your response to the feelings.
DON’T wallow in your feelings until they control you.
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Believe God’s plan is for your good.
The Lord is righteous in everything he does; he is filled with kindness (Psalm 145:17).
God is kind. He already showered us with kindness through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross to save us from our sins. Do you think He went to that extent to save you so He can later hurt you with bad circumstances? No, anything He allows in our lives He will ultimately use for our good (Romans 8:28).
If you struggle with thoughts that oppose this truth, meditate on these psalms to align your heart and mind with God’s will.
DON’T turn away from God.
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Wait for God’s timing.
Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act (Psalm 37:7a).
Sometimes a closed door forces us to wait. Perhaps God is providing a time of rest. Or maybe it’s time for a reset where He will prepare you for a new direction. We don’t know if God will reopen the closed door or if the closure is permanent. Often, we fret in the uncertainties. If we fix our eyes on God, though, He fills us with joy in the waiting room.
DON’T expect to know all God’s reasons. He is God and you are not.
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Ask God to direct your next steps.
Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do (Ephesians 5:16-17).
When God closed the door on Siberia to me, He did not put me on the shelf. He still has a purpose for my days. The same is true for you. If God closed a door in your life, then He obviously has another plan. Pray and read the Bible to receive your marching orders. Then be prepared to be His instrument of grace in a new way or in a new place.
DON’T lose hope.
In summary, there’s no doubt I have struggled to understand and cope when God closes a door. Though I accept God’s closed door to Siberia, I continue to hope He may send me yet again. In the meantime, I cling to God’s wisdom and encouragement to continue to be His ambassador. I trust you do too!
Join the conversation:
What feelings do you usually experience when God closes a door? How has God helped you move past them?
Do you have a favorite Bible encouragement for times of change?
I welcome your comments!
25 Comments
Nancy E. Head
Great hope here. Thanks for reminding us of God’s great faithfulness.
Annie Yorty
All praise to Him, Nancy! Thank you for visiting.
Toby
Thanks Ann! Love you and share these same feelings. Thank you for your encouragement today my friend!
Annie Yorty
I’m glad you found it helpful, Toby. Much love!
Candyce
Great strategies to turn to when we face disappointments. Talking to God is always the best first step.
Annie Yorty
Thank you, Candyce!
Katherine Pasour
I struggle with closed doors, too, Annie. It’s painful! Especially when we feel that we were doing God’s will and working to His service when the door was open. I admire your calling to work in Siberia and certainly there is great need there. I hope the door opens again. But as you point out, other doors will open instead. That is an important lesson for all of us. Isaiah 40:31 helps me in challenging times. God will renew us in those times of despair.
Annie Yorty
Thank you for reminding me of the verse in Isaiah, Katherine. It is ironic that the first time I was on my way to Siberia, I told God I didn’t think I should go back again after that mission. It truly is a long and grueling trip. But He did a giant work in my heart and now I would gladly go anytime He sends me.
Edwina E Cowgill
Annie,
Such an encouraging post! Thank you for sharing!
Edwina
Annie Yorty
Thank you, Edwina, for visiting. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Jeannie Waters
Annie, I also turn to Psalms to help me process emotions. As your post illustrates, we can trust God regardless of emotions or outcomes. I hope you’re able to return to Russia soon, as God wills. I’m sure hearts are warned there by the testimony of Christ in you, the hope of glory.
Annie Yorty
Thank you for praying with me, Jeannie. It’s definitely a desire of my heart.
Cathy
You grounded your inspiring words with great examples from Scripture to help support the pooints of your article. Thank you for reminding me that God is always working toward my good, even when the circumstances don’t seem in my favor. God can use the time we are waiting on Him for His purposes. Ultimately, He will get all of the glory whether he opens the locked door or He opens a new door. (And I did often wonder why you went to Siberia in January, so thanks for shedding light on that question! 😀)
Annie Yorty
Thank you, Cathy! I’m glad we could clear up that mystery. 😊 God is always good!
Cari Lewis
Psalm 40:8 brings me comfort in taking delight in doing God’s will, and align my will with His will when a door closes that I was looking forward to.
Annie Yorty
“I take joy in doing your will, my God, for your instructions are written on my heart.” What an awesome truth! Thank you, Cari.
Debbie Shreve
Thanks for sharing Ann. I have had some close in last couple years. The Lord has open up some new doors. So glad we can trust Him.
Annie Yorty
Yes, Debbie, Our God is always up to something new. He’s amazing! Thanks for visiting.
Jennifer
I have been in almost the exact position just a different country. With my own health issues and then the pandemic I have been able to go as well. But God is good in opening other doors.
It is snowing here in Montana right now. If you were here I would go with you on a walk.
Annie Yorty
I’d love to go on a walk in the snow with you! I bet you have a lot more than here on the Mason Dixon line. And yes, God is always good. I pray He gives you passion for the new opportunities He’s giving you.
Leigh DeLozier
It can be so hard to deal with closed doors, no matter how many times they’ve blocked my path over the years. Thanks for the practical advice and beautiful perspective. I especially loved your comment that while we’re waiting because of a closed door we need to “be prepared to be His instrument of grace in a new way or in a new place.” Isn’t that what we all want, to be an instrument of grace? You struck a chord with me — thank you.
Annie Yorty
Thank you for your gracious comments, Leigh. I’d like to say I easily accept closed doors now that I’m on the “mature” (let’s face it, older) side of life, but each one offers a new learning experience for me. I am grateful God has more for us every day.
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Debbie Wilson
Annie, I’m reading Acts. Paul faced closed doors too. How comforting to know God cares about us and our desires enough to open and close doors. I hope you get to return to Russia soon!
Annie Yorty
So true, Debbie. Once we wrap our minds around the fact that God does what is absolutely best for us, it’s much easier to trust His will. He loves us so much!