Stop Hiding Behind Walls: Praise, Peace, and a Call to Bold Faith (John 20)

What do you do when fear tries to fence you in? This gathering of Kingdom Builders pointed to a simple answer: praise God, receive His peace, and step through the walls that try to hold you back. From Psalm 113 to John 20, from worship to intercession, and from a deacon celebration to a timely word about spiritual authority, the night carried one clear theme. God is at work, and He is calling His people to move from hiding to hope.

Praise From Sunrise To Sunset

The night began with Psalm 113. The call was simple and strong. Praise the name of the Lord from the rising of the sun to its going down. Praise when you wake up. Praise before you sleep. Set the tone of your day and close your night with gratitude.

• A helpful reflection on this psalm’s heartbeat of worship is found in the overview, Psalm 113 – Praise to the LORD Who Lifts the Lowly.
• For a short primer you can share with family or small groups, see this clear Psalm 113 five-minute summary.

The message was not just about music. It was about a posture. Let praise be your first instinct and your last word.

A Nation Watching, A Gospel Proclaimed

Attendees reflected on a recent, widely viewed memorial where many leaders spoke openly about Jesus. Whatever your view of public figures, one fact stirred hearts. Hundreds of millions heard the name of Jesus. Many said they had never seen anything like it.

• The takeaway was practical. Support young believers with zeal. Encourage them. Pray for them. Give them room to run.
• Let God turn evil to good. The refrain was steady. What the enemy meant for evil, God can flip for good. Fires are being lit in hearts. Let that fire burn.

No person is perfect. But when the name of Jesus is proclaimed, doors open. The call to the church was to be ready, steady, and bold in this moment.

Influence One Person Today

Not everyone will lead a global movement. That is fine. You can influence one person. You can:

• Share a Scripture on social media.
• Text a word of encouragement.
• Pray with a coworker.
• Write a note to a neighbor.
• Ask God, “Who needs Your hope today?”

Small faithful steps add up. The gospel moves forward one life at a time.

A Family Moment: Welcoming a New Deacon

Joy filled the room as the church welcomed Deacon Tim House to the CFC deacon board. A fun, story-filled song introduced Tim, his family, his love for the outdoors, and his heart for serving. Then came the announcement: a unanimous vote, a faithful man, and a fresh season of service. The church celebrated and prayed over him.

Worship, Prayer, and a Word in Season

The congregation pressed into worship with songs like All My Hope Is in Jesus, Let the Redeemed of the Lord Say So, and See a Victory. The atmosphere shifted from singing to intercession.

A prophetic word came forward with three strong lines:

• Do not be afraid.
• Trust in the Lord, for He is with you.
• Worship with effort, and the Lord will fight your battles.

Hands went up across the room as people stood for breakthrough, peace, and healing. One specific request stood out. The church prayed for Michelle’s son, who is battling severe hearing loss in his right ear and undergoing steroid injections. The church asked God for complete healing and for continued drawing of his heart toward Jesus.

Stand In Your Authority: Pray Psalm 35 Aloud

A pressing reminder came next. Believers must use the authority God has given them in spiritual warfare. A practical step was offered. Walk through your home and pray Psalm 35 out loud. Let the Word of God be the blade you draw.

• You can pair that practice with praise. Lift your voice with Psalm 113 in the morning and Psalm 35 when you face pressure. You might enjoy this personal reflection on how Psalm 113 shapes a life of worship: How Psalm 113 Changed My Life.

Message by Jeff Henriques: Stop Hiding Behind Walls

The Setup: John 19 to John 20

The message traced the path from the cross to the empty tomb. Jesus, the spotless Lamb, gave His life. He said, “It is finished.” Then, on the third day, He rose. Mary met the risen Lord and carried the news to the disciples.

That is where John 20:19 picks up. The disciples are gathered. The doors are shut. They are afraid.

The Room, The Fear, The Voice

John writes that they locked the door for fear of the Jews. The wall and the door felt safe. But fear had become their shepherd. Jesus met them right there. He stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.”

• He did not shame them.
• He addressed the fear.
• He showed them His hands and His side.
• They were glad when they saw the Lord.

This is the turning point. The walls did not save them. Jesus did. The peace of Christ disarmed the fear in their hearts.

Why We Hide Behind Walls

We all know that room. We call the wall “protection,” but it is usually fear. Fear isolates us. It tells us to control the outcome. It keeps us from being honest with God, and it keeps us from leaning on people who love us.

Common walls include:

• Past wounds that still ache.
• Shame over choices you regret.
• Fear of rejection if you open up.
• Comfort in what is familiar, even if it is not healthy.

Walls feel safe, but they are a false refuge. Jesus is our refuge and fortress. He can step into locked rooms and speak peace.

Stories That Show Us The Way

• The storm in the boat. The disciples panicked, but Jesus slept. He woke, rebuked the wind, and said, “Peace, be still.” He was not rattled. He was present.
• Peter on the water. Peter walked as long as he looked at Jesus. When he sank, Jesus reached out immediately. The Lord does not abandon sinking saints.
• The potter’s wheel. God removes hard clumps and reshapes us. That can feel tender, but His hands are wise.
• The old violin. In the hands of the maker, what looks worthless can sing again. Value is not gone. The Master restores.

The Promise That Keeps Us Moving

Philippians 1:6 came as a banner. Being confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. Not might. Will. He finishes what He starts.

If you wrestle with feelings of abandonment or unworthiness, hear this. God will not abandon the work of His hands. He sees you. He knows your story. He knows your family, your job, your finances, your thoughts in the night. He is ever mindful of you.

Let Peace Replace Fear

When Jesus steps into your room, three things happen:

• He speaks peace to your heart.
• He shows you that He is alive and present.
• He sends you back out with courage.

You do not have to carry it alone. You do not have to fix it all yourself. You do not have to keep hiding. The Prince of Peace is with you.

How To Walk This Out This Week

Simple steps help you put this message into practice:

• Morning and night praise: Speak Psalm 113 when you wake and before you sleep. Keep it simple. Keep it steady.
• Pray Psalm 35 out loud at home: Walk your rooms and claim God’s protection and justice.
• Ask God for one person: Share hope with one person today. A message, a verse, a prayer.
• Worship with effort: Give God your full focus in worship. Let Him do the heavy lifting.
• Name your wall: Write it down. Fear, shame, control, comfort. Invite Jesus into that room.

A Final Word For Those In A Storm

You might be at your wits’ end. You might feel like your ship is taking on water. Jesus can stand in your room and speak peace. He can carry what you cannot. He will not give up on you. He is your shepherd, your strong tower, and your peace.

Conclusion

Praise shifts the heart. Peace steadies the soul. Authority in prayer clears the air. The call is simple. Stop hiding behind walls. Let Jesus step in, speak peace, and send you out with courage. Start with Psalm 113. Pray Psalm 35. Encourage one person. If you need prayer, ask for it. God is moving, and He will finish the good work He started in you.

What wall do you need Jesus to step through today?

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