by Cathy Baker
This month we’ve learned how things like accountability, choosing wise priorities, and organizing our evenings can help us make over our mornings.
Today let’s talk decluttering.
Not the kind of clutter collecting in our closets, but the sort that lurks in the corners of our minds. For me, this tends to happen when I try to sweep unresolved situations under labels such as “I’ll deal with this when I have more time to think it through” or “Maybe if I ignore it long enough, it will go away.” Before I know it, mental clutter makes itself at home in my heart, making my true home feel like anything but.
I find that a cluttered mind often remains undetected until it begins spilling over the sides of my soul, revealing itself through an overall feeling of uneasiness, almost as if I’m being suffocated by my circumstances.
While a hefty bag goes a long way in helping to clear closet clutter, the only help for the kind of clutter we’re talking about today comes from the LORD.
- Get quiet before the Lord. (Psalm 46:10)
- Release the burdens. I sometimes do this by writing each one down on a piece of paper, praying through each one, and then disposing of it. (Matt. 11:28)
- Receive His peace. (Phil. 4:7) It’s our choice as to whether or not we want to walk around with either cluttered or clear, sound minds. Our God is not one of chaos or confusion but clarity and purpose.
And speaking of October, I’m once again joining the 31 Day Challenge to blog everyday. This year’s theme? 31 Ways to Fall in Love With Fall. Hope you’ll join me on this journey beginning Thursday!
*US readers only
Even your blog reflects a decluttered mind! I'm practicing leaving my failures (and things I hope no one else sees going on in my mind) with the Lord to deal with each morning and just taking on him.
Beautifully said, Marcia. It does seem to require practice, doesn't it? Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by and share. 🙂
I make the most of my morning by acknowledging Him before doing anything else.
Come with a desire to hear what he has to say in His Word and then receive it.
Can't wait for October.
Thanks for sharing! I love how you mention coming with the desire to hear Him — and then receiving it. Powerful!
I'm also looking forward to October. 🙂 Thanks for joining me on the journey! If you would like to be included in the drawing, please message me on FB and leave your name.
Blessings…
Oh, Cathy, I love to read your words of insight and instruction. Your transparency gently nudges us toward an honest relationship with the Lord and His word. Thank you for always bringing me back to the central truth: God loves me and wants to spend more quality time with me!
Love this post! I've been writing about Mary and Martha. A disquieted mind really stuck out to me when researching definitions for "bothered." This post fits right in. How I can relate. I make the most of each morning by setting the coffeemaker to auto. I know that's not very spiritual, but that gets me going with an "ahh," and then on to the other parts of my morning routine.
Vonda, thank you for your sweet words of encouragement. 🙂 Love you!
Oh Ginger, I'm aware of your writing about Mary and Martha — it's wonderful! I couldn't leave a comment when I read it but I made a note to go back and do so.
I think setting your coffeemaker to auto is an excellent idea — and quite spiritual! First, it frees up a bit more time for our "ahh" moments with the Lord and the caffeine (at least for me) cleans out the cobwebs from a good night's sleep, giving us more clarity of mind.
Thank you for taking the time to stop by and share, my friend. Blessings!
Cathy, I have a basket with my Bible and book of devotions next to my bed. I also have a notebook and pencil for my morning study. Keeping these thing together and within reach helps me get settled-in with the Lord.
I love this idea, Dee Dee. The less we have to search for things, the better. Hmm, I may have to go in search of a basket! Thanks for taking the time to stop by and share. Blessings!!