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Decluttering...It's a Work in Progress


It's January and time to purge the house of things we don't use, need, or want anymore. This is a particular challenge for me. My sentimentality usually gets the best of me, and I end up keeping most of what I should rid myself of. My mom and sister have perfected the art of decluttering, but I have a tendency to find new places, or in some cases create new spots, to store items that I just can't part with.  The start of a new year is also a great time to rid ourselves of things we are holding onto mentally, emotionally, and sometimes, physically.

“No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead,” (Philippians‬ ‭3:13‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

Paul's words to the church at Philippi were an encouragement for them to rejoice in any circumstance. He tells about his own past when he believed certain traditions and teachings of the law were the only way to reach God. However, because of Christ, none of those things mattered anymore. For the sake of knowing Christ, Paul left all of his former beliefs and ways behind to embrace Christ and all He has to offer.

When our minds and hearts are bogged down in emotional baggage, there isn't room to let God do a new work. We have to make a conscious effort to put down the former things so that we can embrace what God has for us now. I'm like Paul and can say that I haven't reached perfection in letting go of everything. But I try. Even now, as I evaluate my heart and mind and prepare for the things God is going to do this year, I have to consciously decide to forget the things that will keep me from looking forward.

Back to my decluttering project, I have a system that takes time, but works for me. For example, when I declutter a closet, I take every single item out. This is the part that tends to  make me feel overwhelmed with the enormity of the task. I learned this from the family declutter guru, my mom. But this crucial step is necessary to actually see what I have so that I can properly evaluate what I need to keep and what isn't needed anymore. 

Our hearts and minds aren't so different from a cluttered closet. To declutter, we have to figure out how to expose what is inside so we can identify what needs to go. For me, writing is a great tool to accomplish this.  My journaling is often what looks like a brain dump of emotions. Once I review my thoughts on paper, I can reasonably turn to scripture and let go of the things that may hinder me from drawing near to God. For you, it may be necessary to talk to a close friend or relative who can help you be objective about what needs to go and what's allowed to stay.

The frustrating thing for me about decluttering the house is that you will eventually have to do it again. Same with our mind. Things will build up and will need to be thrown out from time to time.

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans‬ ‭12:2‬ ‭NIV‬‬)

Decluttering is an ongoing work. It's easy to come up with excuses to keep things that don't belong in our life, just as I can think of a million reasons to keep that one shirt that someone gave me because I would hate to hurt them by ridding myself of it. If I hold onto everything, there isn't room for something new. If we hold onto things that muddle our thoughts or habits and behaviors that we don't need, there isn't room for God to fully work in our lives and do new things. It's January, and it's time to declutter.

Prayer to Declutter:

God, help me to expose everything in my life that may be hindering me from You. Teach me how to rid myself of what I don't need so that I can receive everything you have for me. I want to be closer to You, and I know that requires me to rid myself of past hurt, regret, and behaviors that don't line up with who You want me to be. Thank you for loving me enough to help me declutter and embrace the new things You have for me. In Jesus' name. Amen.

© Jill Cook and Unbroken & Undone Ministries.  All rights reserved.

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