Heart Check
- S Oliver
- May 1
- 3 min read
Spring Cleaning for the Soul
*Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. (Proverbs 4:23)
I love spring!! The smell of fresh grass, trees (sans the pollen), and new blooms remind me of a blank canvas, a new beginning, and do-overs. Sure, it is a great time to tidy up or deep clean your home, but there’s a deeper, more profound kind of cleaning we may need to do.
Proverbs 4:23*, offers a simple but powerful message: what we allow in our hearts and minds shapes the direction of our lives. I don’t know about you, but I don’t like to clutter up my home with things that are useless; things that don’t have a purpose for me or my family. I get rid of it all. Quickly! Likewise, we should not leave our hearts and minds filled up with things that are toxic, burdensome, or simply not aligned with God’s will for us. Spring cleaning our hearts is not only recommended but essential to who we are (becoming) in Christ.
Just like decluttering your home means taking a look at all you have accumulated, spring cleaning your heart means taking a look at what you’ve allowed in your life and what you’ve held on to that no longer serves you. Spring cleaning means making an intentional decision to replace the mess with what truly nourishes your spirit. Here’s are five ways you can clear out the clutter and mess of your heart.
1. Let Go of Unforgiveness.
Unforgiveness is like a heavy weight on your heart and mind. It keeps you stuck in the past, chained to the offence, and gives power to the offender. (Girl, they have gone on with their lives and they are not thinking about you!) It may be challenging but forgiving the one who has greatly offended you and even forgiving yourself is essential to protecting your heart and guarding your relationship with God. Holding on to bitterness keeps you from experiencing the peace and joy that God wants for you. When you forgive you make space for grace to be extended not just to others but yourself as well.
2. Rid Yourself of Envy and Comparison.
It’s a trap. When you compare yourself to others – whether is someone’s success, appearance, confidence, whatever--you erode you own sense of self-esteem. If envy has taken hold of you, instead of comparing yourself to others, be thankful for what God has gifted you with and given to you. Learn to celebrate others, your worth and identity are never tied to them. Embrace your uniqueness and God’s plan for you.
3. Put Some Distance Between You and Toxic Influences.
Don’t allow unhealthy relationships, harmful media, or unsafe spaces to take up room in your heart. Our hearts are so easily affected by what and who we surround ourselves with. For that reason, take a look at the things and people that are in your life. Are they uplifting? Do they move you closer to God? Or are they dragging you down, filling you with negativity or leading you away from God?
Anxiety will drain you. It’s so easy to get caught up in anticipating all that can go wrong. Spring cleaning your heart also means giving your anxiety to God, trusting that He is in control, and letting His peace fill the space where anxiety lived. Allow yourself to be vulnerable with God. Tell God everything. Trust Him with your fears and all of life’s uncertainties.
5. Open Your Arms Grab Some Gratitude.
Once you’ve cleared the clutter, fill up on the God things of God. Colossians 3:15 encourages us, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” A heart filled with gratitude is a heart that is at rest in God’s love.
Spring cleaning is more than dusting your shelves and reorganizing your closet. It is also time to turn your heart toward God. Psalm 139:23-24 says, “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me and lead me in the way everlasting.”
This spring fill your heart with gratitude for all God has done. Remember His promises, provision, and unending love. Let go of what doesn’t serve you and what displeases Him. With a clean heart, you will begin to thrive in ways you have never imagined.
Happy Spring Cleaning!
コメント