Spring is here!!! And with that comes a need for a whole lot of cleaning…the yard, the windows, the closets…I’m sure you can think of twelve other things on your list, too. But is your heart on that list?
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10
An influential woman in my life shared an article from Billy Graham’s website called
3 Steps to a Spiritual Spring Cleaning.
I will allow you to read this quick reminder on your own, though I want to highlight the steps and what thoughts come to mind for myself as I focus on this most important cleaning task for the season.
The author asks:
- What needs to go?
- What can you give away?
- What needs some love?
When we address these questions in a typical spring cleaning sense, they seem pretty straight forward. But when we head to our spirits and our hearts its not quite so simple.
So what needs to go? For me, I’ve held on to guilt over a relationship in my life for far too long. I asked her for forgiveness and I received it, but since it didn’t look or feel like the forgiveness I was seeking I have held on to it for YEARS now. I’ve repented and I’ve received the Lord’s forgiveness so it is time to LET. IT. GO.
What can I give away? When thinking about this task I was reminded that my own, sweet godson is not even going to church. He’s young, so this isn’t within his control, and it presents an opportunity for me to give away part of my faith life. If I was chosen to help raise this child to know the Lord, I better speak up now before the family’s distance from Him continues to grow. I better start giving away the Good News.
What needs some love? Many things get messy that just need a little extra attention from time to time. As I bring a close to my winter bible study, its time for my quiet time to get a little bit more love. I do well with a plan, so a Bible reading plan is in order. Its best I love on this now before my mind gets lazy as the weather gets warmer.
As you take inventory of what cleaning needs to be done, will you take the time to read the article above and add your heart to your list? I think we all know we need it.
“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands…and purify your hearts.” James 4:8
Faith E Women 