Closed Doors in the Bible: What God May Be Telling You
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We’ve all heard the saying, “If God closes a door, he will open a window,” or “If God closes one door, He will open another.” These specific phrases are not found in the Bible (they are, in fact, from the movie The Sound of Music), but quite a few verses about closed doors can be found. We’ll explore a few biblical examples of closed doors today.
The stories of Christ’s resurrection and many other places in the Bible are filled with closed doors. A common phrase in the resurrection narratives is “the doors being shut for fear of the Jews.” The disciples had lost their leader and teacher, and they feared that they themselves would become victims. That fear led them to flee Apostle Peter to deny that he even knew Christ, and they all to hide behind closed doors.
On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”
John 20:19 (ESV)
However, we can find many references to closed doors occurring even earlier in God’s Word. The first doors known in the stories of Scripture are the gates of Paradise, the Garden of Eden. Adam and Eve, having broken God’s only commandment to them, are forced to leave Paradise. The gates of the garden gates are shut, and an angel is set at the gate to guard against their re-entry. Now THAT is a closed door.
In the Bible, closed doors symbolize opportunities or paths denied by God. The key of David or the key of the house of David, mentioned in Revelation 3:7, represents Christ’s authority to open and close doors according to His will. This metaphor emphasizes God’s control over our destinies and the importance of divine guidance.
In the Bible, closed doors often symbolize divine protection or an opportunity for reflection. The angel of the church, referenced in Revelation, serves as a spiritual guide and messenger to the seven churches, offering insights, warnings, and encouragement to remain faithful and true to God’s teachings.
In the Bible, closed doors often symbolize divine protection and guidance. When Noah’s ark door was shut, it safeguarded his family from the flood (Genesis 7:16). The Holy Spirit acts as a counselor, guiding believers and sometimes closing doors to redirect them toward God’s will. In Acts 16:6-7, the Spirit of Jesus prevented Apostle Paul and his companions from entering certain regions, steering them towards a greater mission. These instances remind us that closed doors are not rejections but redirections, ensuring we stay aligned with God’s perfect plan and receive His protection and guidance.
More examples of closed doors in the Bible signifying protection include Jesus as shepherd of the sheep. In John 10:7, Jesus refers to Himself as the door for the sheep, signifying that through Him, the faithful are kept safe and led to salvation: “Therefore Jesus said again, ‘Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep.'” Similarly, Psalm 23:1-2 portrays the Lord as a shepherd who guides His flock to safety and rest: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures.” These verses illustrate the divine care and direction provided by God to His followers.
In the Bible, closed doors and prison doors often symbolize trials, divine intervention, and spiritual freedom. For instance, in Acts 16:26, Paul and Silas experienced a miraculous earthquake that opened the prison doors and loosened their chains, signifying God’s power to liberate His followers. Similarly, closed doors can represent God’s protection or guidance, as in Revelation 3:7-8, where Lord Jesus promises to open doors that no one can shut. The foundations of the prison shaking in Acts also highlight the transformative power of faith, breaking physical and spiritual barriers, leading to profound change and redemption.
In the Word of the Lord, closed doors often symbolize divine guidance and direction. In Acts 16:6-7, Paul and his companions are forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in the province of Asia and the region of Phrygia. These closed doors redirect them to Troas, where Paul receives a vision leading them to Macedonia. This pivotal moment highlights that, sometimes, closed opportunities are instrumental in fulfilling a greater divine plan. It illustrates the importance of trusting in God’s wisdom, as His guidance can lead to unforeseen and impactful missions, shaping the spread of early Christianity.
In the Bible, the vision of a man of Macedonia standing pleading for help from Acts 16:9 illustrates God’s guidance through closed doors. Paul and his companions initially faced closed doors in Asia and Bithynia, as the Holy Spirit prevented them from preaching there. These closed doors were divine redirections, leading to a pivotal moment where Paul received a vision of a man from Macedonia pleading for help. This vision signified an open door to spread the gospel in Europe, highlighting how closed doors in life can be part of a greater divine plan, steering us toward our true mission and purpose.
Closed doors in the Bible can have many meanings, including shame or hiding, but that is not always the case.
Each of us has experienced disappointment in our lives. We feel that we are doing what God is calling us to do, and BOOM, it gets snatched away, or we hit roadblocks along the way. There are many reasons for this, but let’s take a look at a few reasons that God may close a door on something or someone in our lives.
What Closed Doors in the Bible May Be Telling Us
1. A closed door does not always mean a locked door.
In the Bible, closed doors often symbolize obstacles or divine redirection rather than permanent barriers. A closed door doesn’t necessarily mean a locked door; it may signify a temporary pause or a call to seek another path. For instance, in Acts 16:6-7, the Holy Spirit prevented Paul and his companions from preaching in Asia, redirecting them to Macedonia. This illustrates that closed doors can steer us toward God’s greater purpose. They invite patience, faith, and discernment, reminding us that God’s timing and plans far exceed our understanding and that perseverance can lead to new opportunities and growth.
God may have closed the door temporarily, but it doesn’t mean that it will stay closed forever. Sometimes, He wants to redirect us to something better or something He feels we need more at that moment. We are to trust God in those moments and wait to see where He leads us and what new doors may open.
As Ecclesiastes 3:1 says:
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
Ecclesiastes 3:1 (ESV)
One of the hardest things for me to accept is that things happen in God’s time and not mine. Timing is everything. God may be using this time of closed doors as a time to prepare you for what is to come.
God may be putting a hedge of protection around you
In the Bible, closed doors often symbolize God’s divine protection and guidance. When a path is blocked, it may signify that God is placing a hedge of protection around you, steering you away from potential harm or missteps. For instance, in Acts 16:6-7, Paul and his companions were prevented by the Holy Spirit from preaching in certain regions, only to be redirected to a more fruitful mission. This illustrates that God’s closed doors are not rejections but redirections, ensuring that we remain within His perfect plan and shielding us from unseen dangers, ultimately leading us to greater blessings.
If God closes a door, it may be because He wants to protect you. As humans, we often make decisions which can be harmful to us. It may be in dating the wrong man, bad business or other financial deals or even missing a flight, but He always has our spiritual safety in mind. We may think that this opportunity or that decision is an amazing one and are frustrated if things don’t work out, but God has a bigger picture in mind for us.
We’ve all heard stories about people missing their flight only to have found out that the plane had crashed. God often protects His children by closing doors, sometimes, temporarily, for our own protection.
A closed door may simply be a redirection
As mentioned, closed doors often symbolize God’s divine guidance and protection. When one door shuts, it is not a sign of rejection but rather a redirection towards a more fitting path. For instance, in Acts 16:6-7, the Holy Spirit prevented Paul and his companions from preaching in Asia and Bithynia. This redirection led them to Macedonia, where their mission flourished. Similarly, God’s closed doors can be seen as a way to steer believers towards greater opportunities and blessings, ensuring they align with His greater plan and purpose for their lives.
I tend to get laser focused on projects to the detriment of everything else. On occasion, God has put up a roadblock or closed on door on one of these projects. In hindsight, I think it was to redirect me to Him. I was becoming nearly obsessed with the project or event and not turning my face toward Him. God may close a door to redirect you to what is really important.
(Clicking the image below will give you a printable copy of When God Closes The Door.
A closed door may mean move on.
Yes, this theme is back. In the Bible, closed doors often symbolize God’s guidance and protection, steering individuals away from paths not meant for them. For instance, in Acts 16:6-7, the Holy Spirit prevented Paul and his companions from preaching in Asia, redirecting them to a more fruitful mission in Macedonia. A closed door may signify that it’s time to move on and trust in God’s plan, as He may have something better. Embracing closed doors with faith can lead to new opportunities and growth, reminding believers that God’s direction is always purposeful and for their ultimate good.
Yes, God may close a door temporarily, or for our safety or to redirect us, but he also may simply be saying “NO”. When an opportunity slips out of our reach or we face a disappointment in life, God may be telling us that it is time to move on and go a different direction. This one is often the toughest to deal with. We had our hopes and dreams set on this thing – be it a promotion, another baby, a new house, a better job, but God’s plans are not always ours. A closed door here may be God telling you that we need to forget about that ‘thing” and move on to something else. Something that He wants us to go toward.
When my first husband left me, I was devastated. I tried everything to make it work. Counseling, a weekend away just the two of us, changing my hair – really, I tried everything. The answer was always the same. No. It’s time to move on. My husband, an alcoholic and serial cheater ended up drinking himself to death not long after we were separated. I believe that God wanted me to move on and while He hates divorce (my husband was not a believer), He knew how the story would unfold.
If God allowed me to stay with my husband, maybe I wouldn’t be where I am today. Happily married to a man on fire for Jesus Christ and who is the love of my life.
A closed door many mean that you may have taken your eyes off of God.
These moments may indicate that one has strayed from His path or taken their eyes off Him. For example, in Revelation 3:7-8, God holds the key to open and close doors, signifying His control over our journey. When a door closes, it can be a divine nudge to refocus on God’s will and realign our lives with His purpose. Trusting in God’s timing and wisdom helps believers navigate these closed doors, transforming potential setbacks into opportunities for spiritual growth and deeper faith.
We humans are funny beings. We think that we have it under control. That we can handle something. It’s at those moments that God may close a door to remind you that He is sovereign. That He is in control and not you. A closed door may be God’s way of refocusing your attention toward Him.
Our God is a jealous God and when we turn our focus away from Him and toward worldly things, he can shut doors to get our attention.
How often do you turn to God when life is good and moving happily along? Or are you more likely to seek Him when things go wrong and you need His help and intervention?
As believers, we are to seek Him first. When God closes a door in our life, it may simply mean that He is saying “Hey! Over here! Don’t forget about me! I’m in charge here.”
Here are several Bible verses from the Old Testament related to closed doors in the Bible.
If they listen and serve him, they complete their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasantness.
Job 36:11 (ESV)
When disappointment in the form of a closed door faces you, take the time to get on your knees and pray about it. What is God trying to tell you by closing this door? Is He trying to protect you? Redirect you? Pray about it, journal about it, and dive into some of the below scriptures about closed doors to see what He may be revealing to you. Closed doors may be a blessing. Ask God to reveal that blessing to you.
and prescribed limits for it and set bars and doors,
Job 38:10 (ESV)
Lot went out to the men at the entrance, shut the door after him,
Genesis 19:6 (ESV)
He called the young man who served him and said, “Put this woman out of my presence and bolt the door after her.”
2 Samuel 13:17(ESV)
They also shut the doors of the vestibule and put out the lamps and have not burned incense or offered burnt offerings in the Holy Place to the God of Israel.
2 Chronicles 29:7 (ESV)
Then he brought me back to the outer gate of the sanctuary, which faces east. And it was shut.And the Lord said to me, “This gate shall remain shut; it shall not be opened, and no one shall enter by it, for the Lord, the God of Israel, has entered by it. Therefore it shall remain shut.
Ezekiel 44:1-2 (ESV)
In conclusion, the closed doors we encounter in life can serve as profound messages from God, guiding us toward His greater plan. These moments of denial or redirection, though initially confusing or disheartening, often pave the way for growth, deeper faith, and new opportunities we might never have considered. Just as biblical figures like Moses and Paul experienced closed doors that ultimately led them to their true calling, we too can trust that God’s no is always followed by a better yes. Embracing these divine detours with patience and trust can reveal God’s wisdom and love in ways we could never anticipate.
Reflecting on the significance of closed doors in the Bible encourages us to seek out the lessons and blessings hidden within our own setbacks. It’s a reminder that God’s perspective is far broader than our own, and His plans for us are crafted with purpose and care. When faced with a closed door, instead of succumbing to frustration, we can choose to see it as an invitation to lean into faith and remain open to the new paths God is setting before us. Ultimately, it is through these experiences that we learn to rely on Him, grow in resilience, and find ourselves exactly where we are meant to be.
What the Bible says about closed doors is so revealing! You can find these and other Bible verses about closed doors on the printable PDF below. Use them for prayer and reflection or for suggestions for a Bible journaling page.
Click the image below for the multi-page PDF with Bible verses about closed doors.
I came across this sermon on discerning God’s will regarding closed doors. I found it to be quite eye opening. You may enjoy it, as well.
Praise God for EVERY Closed Door in Your Life | Personal Testimony
Want to learn more about Bible symbolism? Consider one of these recommended resources:
Hi Sue, thank God for using you for this season and I bless God for you, availing yourself to be used. Amen. You made mention of you divorcing your ex drunkard husband and as much as you did everything to maintain your marriage, you ended up divorcing. My question is, did you feel or receive any particular instruction that confirms that the marriage was definitely ending ,as much as he said it was time to move on?
I am currently married to a bisexual man, found out 4years in after marriage, a Christian in the ministry and We have 2children. I have always believed there was a purpose or reason God allowed it. i have been praying and I trust he's about doing something but sometimes I feel he's speaking but I seem not to be hearing. I know he hates divorce so much careful not to provoke his anger by initiating the divorce. I am an unhappy wife, in the ministry as well, do you have any guidelines?, am still praying for instructions on whether to remain or leave but I haven't been able to it my finger on what needs to be done as I receive with other issues. Ialways feel. there is something I need to do which haven't been revealed to me yet. If it was you what will you have do..lol
susanjnelson
Monday 28th of January 2019
Hi, Charity - You sweet sister in Christ! I can only imagine what you are going through. For me, there was more to it. My late husband was unfaithful (several times) and his drinking caused him to do some awful things. I didn't get into the details on the blog, but I believe that God had been telling me for some time that I needed to get out of the situation. I stayed for years, though, until he asked for a divorce. I will be praying for you and encourage you to get good Christian counseling to help you through your situation prayerfully. I will be praying for you!
Joanne Holmwood in South Africa
Monday 12th of November 2018
My husband believes that God does not open or close doors because that then takes away our free will. What do you think?
Amber Valenzuela
Sunday 19th of September 2021
After you have entirely turned your will, to the will of the Father's. I believe He knows that full well. Then You have freed Him to open and close the doors 🚪 to direct you on the path of your life. The Lord being our Shepard. Leading us beside still waters. Making us to ly down in green pastures. Leading us in the paths of Righteousness for His name sake. I hope that is of some help. He spoke to my Heart as I wrote this to you. About my closed door.
susanjnelson
Monday 12th of November 2018
Hi, Joanne - I am not a theologian but I do believe that God orchestrates events in our lives. He is the author, creator and perfecter. We hear of people being cured of terrible disease. We hear of people receiving financial blessings outside of their own doing. I believe that is God's doing. Thank you for writing.
Donna Painter
Friday 23rd of February 2018
Thank you for your Godly insight. The scriptures about closed doors has really helped. It's time for me to wait on God and stop trying to do it myself, which is sometimes hard for me. I do trust God with my life and want what he wants for me. Thank you again for your good word.
susanjnelson
Friday 23rd of February 2018
Thanks so much for sharing. It is the human in us that thinks we can do it ourselves. Mark Batterson, in The 40 Day Prayer Challenge, writes: Work as if it depends on you, but pray as if it depends on God (it does!). Thank you for stopping by!
Mr Godfrey
Tuesday 26th of October 2021
Amazing article . Keep up the good work
Ali
Wednesday 10th of July 2019
Thank you very much my mind was enlightened.
Charity
Tuesday 22nd of January 2019
Hi Sue, thank God for using you for this season and I bless God for you, availing yourself to be used. Amen. You made mention of you divorcing your ex drunkard husband and as much as you did everything to maintain your marriage, you ended up divorcing. My question is, did you feel or receive any particular instruction that confirms that the marriage was definitely ending ,as much as he said it was time to move on? I am currently married to a bisexual man, found out 4years in after marriage, a Christian in the ministry and We have 2children. I have always believed there was a purpose or reason God allowed it. i have been praying and I trust he's about doing something but sometimes I feel he's speaking but I seem not to be hearing. I know he hates divorce so much careful not to provoke his anger by initiating the divorce. I am an unhappy wife, in the ministry as well, do you have any guidelines?, am still praying for instructions on whether to remain or leave but I haven't been able to it my finger on what needs to be done as I receive with other issues. Ialways feel. there is something I need to do which haven't been revealed to me yet. If it was you what will you have do..lol
susanjnelson
Monday 28th of January 2019
Hi, Charity - You sweet sister in Christ! I can only imagine what you are going through. For me, there was more to it. My late husband was unfaithful (several times) and his drinking caused him to do some awful things. I didn't get into the details on the blog, but I believe that God had been telling me for some time that I needed to get out of the situation. I stayed for years, though, until he asked for a divorce. I will be praying for you and encourage you to get good Christian counseling to help you through your situation prayerfully. I will be praying for you!
Joanne Holmwood in South Africa
Monday 12th of November 2018
My husband believes that God does not open or close doors because that then takes away our free will. What do you think?
Amber Valenzuela
Sunday 19th of September 2021
After you have entirely turned your will, to the will of the Father's. I believe He knows that full well. Then You have freed Him to open and close the doors 🚪 to direct you on the path of your life. The Lord being our Shepard. Leading us beside still waters. Making us to ly down in green pastures. Leading us in the paths of Righteousness for His name sake. I hope that is of some help. He spoke to my Heart as I wrote this to you. About my closed door.
susanjnelson
Monday 12th of November 2018
Hi, Joanne - I am not a theologian but I do believe that God orchestrates events in our lives. He is the author, creator and perfecter. We hear of people being cured of terrible disease. We hear of people receiving financial blessings outside of their own doing. I believe that is God's doing. Thank you for writing.
Donna Painter
Friday 23rd of February 2018
Thank you for your Godly insight. The scriptures about closed doors has really helped. It's time for me to wait on God and stop trying to do it myself, which is sometimes hard for me. I do trust God with my life and want what he wants for me. Thank you again for your good word.
susanjnelson
Friday 23rd of February 2018
Thanks so much for sharing. It is the human in us that thinks we can do it ourselves. Mark Batterson, in The 40 Day Prayer Challenge, writes: Work as if it depends on you, but pray as if it depends on God (it does!). Thank you for stopping by!