Decluttering

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things . . . and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9 ESV

This year, I have finally committed to decluttering my house. It will require determination, discipline, and a firm doggedness to sever ties with items that have long crowded the margins of my life, the ones that belong to the nebulous worlds of “Who knows when I might need it,” “It might be worth something someday,” or “It was gifted to me.” Over the years, this collective pooling of belongings has resulted in clutter and disorganization. It’s time to reclaim that sense of peace and harmony that marks the contrast between a house and a home.

Yet clutter extends beyond the walls of my home. I need to declutter my heart and mind of every thought and emotion that does not reflect the light of Jesus: bad habits, anxious thoughts that loiter in the corners of my mind that would be far better filled with thoughts that beget peace and harmony, toxic relationships, untruths, critical opinions, old beliefs.

It’s time to throw wide the doors of my heart and clear out whatever detracts from the gospel of Jesus Christ in order to make room for love, grace, and kindness. It is a daily surrender, a day-to-day resolution to trim the unnecessary, the unwelcome, the objectionable from my life. It may be difficult, and it will require time and determination, but the results will be oh-so worth it!

Prayer: Search my heart, O God, and know my heart. Try me and know my thoughts! See if there be any grievous way in me and lead me in the way everlasting (Psalm 139:23-24). Amen.

Thought: You cannot have a positive life and a negative mind – Joyce Meyer