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.
This requires decluttering of a different sort.
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.
I lift my eyes to the hills.
From where does my help come?
My help comes from the LORD,
who made heaven and earth.
Psalm 121:1, 2
When I recently found myself in a discombobulated state of mind, I knew I needed to go back to the basics:
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.
I think we can agree that quality time with the Lord far surpasses anything we’ve touched on this month when it comes to making the most of our mornings, and our days.
Whether you’re stopping by today for the first time or you’ve joined me for the entire September series (thank you!), you’re invited to leave a comment, and in doing so, you’ll automatically be in the running for this uber-cool writing journal*, just waiting to be enjoyed by you during your morning hours! The random drawing will take place next Monday, October 5th.
One way I’m learning to make the most of my mornings is to: _____________________.
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!
Many reasons flood my mind when considering the joys of this journey with God.
The ability to have a personal relationship with the living God
To pray, confident that He hears and responds in His way and time
The powerful connection that God’s people share
These are just a few, but I was reminded last night of one of my favorite joys on this journey.
Early last night, while working on a writing project downstairs, rain began to fall. I was caught off guard by the comfort it provided as it pecked on my window nearby. I knew it had been an “interesting” week but I didn’t realize how heavy I was feeling until hearing the lightness of the rain.
Come upstairs with Me immediately resonated with my spirit. I put down the laptop, grabbed a notebook and headed up the creaky 100 year old pine stairs to my writing area which has two large windows overlooking a busy street and a city park.
There, I saw that it was not only raining but the sun was also brightly shining. A breathtakingly beautiful sight. We conversed until the sun began to set. Me, pouring out my heart as earnestly as the clouds, and then listening. My heavenly Father had beckoned me upwards, both physically and spiritually.
One of the greatest joys on this journey is how our God personally relates to His children. He is not a distant father. He is present and an ever so personal Father, speaking to our deepest needs—perhaps those we ourselves may not even recognize.
He invites us to meet with Him…to come to Him…to rest with Him. In Him.
Is there anything on earth that compares to a heavenly beckoning upstairs?
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
Cathy Baker
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