THE R.O.D: Repentance Opens Doors

Are you feeling stuck in your spiritual walk? Sometimes the breakthrough we are praying for is waiting behind a door that only one key can unlock. In this blog, C. Atkinson shares a personal story from 2020 about the power of letting go of unforgiveness and explores how "The ROD" (Repentance Opens Doors) can restore your joy and refresh your relationship with the Great Shepherd.

C. Atkinson

1/24/20243 min read

“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.” — Psalm 51:10-12 (KJV)

One day, while driving to work in silence, I heard the Lord say: “The ROD.” Initially, my mind went straight to Moses and how he used his rod as a symbol of God’s power and authority. But then, the Lord revealed a powerful acronym to me: Repentance Opens Doors. He showed me that many times, the reason we feel stagnant in our worship, our praise, and our prayer life is because the element of repentance is missing.

A Lesson in 2020

The Lord brought me back to 2020, one of the most difficult years of my life. I was emotionally shutting down because of something my grandmother had done that deeply hurt me. One day, the Lord spoke to my heart and said, "Go to her, and together, repent of your sins."

My first instinct was to defend myself: "But Lord, what did I do?" Immediately, I was convicted. By holding onto that hurt, I was allowing unforgiveness to keep me bound. I wasn't able to give my all to the Lord because I was tethered to that pain.

I obeyed. I went to my grandmother, apologized for my attitude, and told her I forgave her. The moment I did, freedom swept over my soul. The sting of the hurt faded away as if it had never happened, replaced by a deep sense of joy and love.

The Shepherd’s Tool

In biblical culture, the rod was a shepherd’s tool used to guide, protect, and correct the flock. As God’s children, repentance is our way of allowing the Great Shepherd to guide us. There is no "good" inside of us without Christ; therefore, turning back to Him is a daily necessity.

On the day of Pentecost, Peter boldly declared that we must repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of sins to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). When we come to God with a broken spirit and a contrite heart, we are acknowledging that we need our Shepherd to lead us through the dangerous terrain of life.

David’s Open Door

King David is famously known as a man after God’s own heart, yet he committed terrible sins—adultery and murder. When confronted, David didn't make excuses. He wrote Psalm 51, a raw, heartfelt plea for mercy.

David realized that his righteousness didn't come from his kingly status or his past victories, but from his submission to God. His act of Repentance Opened Doors for restoration that his own efforts never could. He chose to turn completely away from his sin and pursue what pleased the Lord. Because of his posture of repentance, David was able to remain in the presence of God, where there is fullness of joy.

Use The ROD Today

I want to encourage you to use "The ROD" in your own life. Don’t let pride or past hurts keep your doors locked. The Lord doesn't want anyone to perish; He desires for all of us to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).

We have been given authority over the power of the enemy, but our greatest reason to rejoice is that our names are registered in heaven (Luke 10:19-20). Let us come to Him like children, daily asking Him to search our hearts and lead us in the way everlasting.

Our Heart’s Prayer

Lord, We ask for a new heart—one that mirrors Your own. We know that without You, our hearts can be wayward and wicked. We ask You to perform "spiritual surgery" on us today. Cut away the things that do not align with Your Word. We bring You our broken spirits, knowing You do not despise them. Teach us that repentance isn't just a moment, but a lifestyle that opens the door to Your glorious presence. Keep us in the palm of Your hand. In Jesus’ name, Amen.