Spring Cleaning

by Stacy R. Miller

As I was cleaning out [my daughter] Rachel's closet

yesterday (no small undertaking, let me tell you!), it occurred to me that we could do some "spring cleaning" in our spiritual lives. So often we go along, doing our "Christian things." We go through all the motions, and we say the right things, but have we really stopped to take a look at our hearts? Jeremiah 17:9 says that the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked. It is so easy for my heart to become darkened by sin's deceitfulness, and not even realize it. There are so many things to distract me - it just gets buried down deep in my heart, without my even being aware of it.

It's good for us to have those times where we get before the Lord and ask Him to reveal those hidden things in our hearts. If we try to hide those things, or refuse to even look for those hidden things, we are "cherishing sin in our heart." The Word is clear that if we do that, God isn't going to hear our prayers.

Spiritually we can do spring cleaning by remembering the words in Colossians 3:8-10 that tell us that we MUST rid ourselves of all such things like anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from our lips. We need to be careful not to lie because that is all part of the old practice (the stuff that should be cleaned out already), and we need to be putting on the NEW self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.

You have probably all heard the saying that if you haven't worn something for one year that you should get rid of it. We are to be clothing ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. These are garments that we should never be throwing away, but we should be wearing these garments on a daily basis. I have to admit, I don't wear patience nearly as often as I should. It's not a comfortable garment for me. It causes me to have to restrain my tongue quite often. That is hard for me at times!
Romans 13:14 says that we should clothe ourselves with the Lord Jesus, not thinking about how to fulfill the desires of our flesh. Father, help us all to remember that when we get our physical bodies dressed in the morning, that we are to dressing our spiritual bodies too! WE NEED YOUR HELP!

Romans 6:12 says that we are not to LET sin reign in our mortal bodies. Often, if we have gotten snared by the enemy, it requires a "cleaning." We need to go before Father and confess our sin. We need to renounce it, then tell Satan that we are closing the door which we had opened to him by committing the sin. That is one good cleaning! So often, we think that as long as we confess it, it is over and done with, but in reality, sometimes there is more warfare to do over the situation. That is why God has given us spiritual armor. He gives US the power to close the door on the enemy. It is something that requires action on our part.

Sometimes we go through "guilt trips." Hebrews 9:14 says that the blood of Jesus will cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death. Sometimes we need to get "cleaning" and use that product called "The Blood of Jesus" so that we can be free from those guilt trips, which Satan likes to keep putting into our minds.

I find that physical clutter can drive me to the point of absolute frustration. I end up to the point of tears because the more clutter you have, the more of your energy it requires to take care of all of the clutter. It's the same with our spiritual lives. When I harbor unforgiveness, it is like rottenness in my bones. If I don't have my quiet times with God, my attitude is far from what I know Father desires that it would be.

In repentance and rest is your salvation, and in quietness and trust is your strength (Isaiah 30:15). As we become still and know that HE is God (Psalm 46:10), He will do that inner cleansing (spring cleaning) on our hearts, and we will feel so refreshed and renewed. Remember - God is for us, not against us. Just as a toddler will often run away when it's time for a bath, sometimes we do the same thing when "Daddy" wants to give us a spiritual bath. Just as you know bathing is good for your children, know that being bathed by the Father is good for YOU!

About the Author: Stacy Miller is a SAHM who homeschools. She is actively involved in teaching at her local church. She has been writing professionally since 2003. Her website, found at Proverbs 31 Devotionals, is dedicated to helping women to become better wives, mothers, and women of God. To read more of her devotions or to join her mailing list, visit her website or email her at StacysProverbs@aol.com.