Devotionals for the Heart: Why we need to clear out the clutter in our life

Clearing Out the Clutter
A devotional by Colleen C. Howard

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”—Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV)

When the snow melts away and the colors of spring cover the landscape, we get the urge to celebrate the occasion. We update our wardrobe to suit the weather and put away the blankets that are no longer needed.

If you’re feeling super ambitious what else can you do? You make your way from room to room, begin decluttering and fill in a big box for the local thrift store. This is the beginning of some serious spring cleaning. Full disclosure: I must admit that organizing spaces is one of my favorite things to do. I have no fear of giving things away or throwing them out and it gives me great joy to stand back and survey the newly organized closet. This is my happy place.

Expert organizers agree that the best technique for decluttering is to take everything out of the closet and off the shelves. Before you begin taking items out, designate a place for three piles—keep, donate, or throw it out. Why go through all this trouble? The purpose of a closet is not to store every pair of black shoes you’ve ever worn or pants that span from size six to 12. Items that you can’t wear or don’t wear are not allowed to occupy real estate in the closet. Let’s face it, do you really need that favorite shirt with the holes in it?

When you stand back and survey the empty closet you appreciate its purpose. It looks more spacious and invites you to think carefully about which items have earned the right to reside there for the next six months. Closets were meant to store items you use in an organized way so you can find them with ease.

Similar to closets, too much clutter in our lives hinders us from living abundantly. When our lives become overly busy our hearts and minds become weary and hinder our view of what’s important. Our bodies, minds and souls need time to rest. What can you do to get the rest you need? When you crawl into bed tonight, surrender everything to God. For the next six to eight hours, you are officially off duty. Trust God for rest. He is our fortress and offers freedom from worry and anxiety.

Clean out the clutter from the corners of your mind and hand it over to God. As rest your head on the pillow, He will renew your heart and restore for your soul.

Let’s Pray: Dear Father God, I thank You for the many ways You bring my focus back to You. When I feel distracted, anxious, and weary, please remind me of your goodness. Help me to surrender my distractions to the Father of all mercies and the God of all comfort. I can rest in your arms, and You will give me rest. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

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Song of Reflection #1: “God So Loved” (Live at Ocean Way Nashville) by We The Kingdom. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Open the Eyes of My Heart” by Jordan G. Welch. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Colleen C. Howard is a follower of Jesus Christ, educator and writer. She lives with her husband in the Arizona desert where the sunsets are spectacular, the summers are relentless and the winters are a little slice of Heaven. 

Colleen earned her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership. This degree opened opportunities to write science curriculum, develop district programs, work with Arizona teachers, community leaders, and more. With NASA Grant funding, she was also able to work with teachers all over the country and expand their knowledge of teaching science as a collaborative effort.

Over the last few years God has placed a strong desire in Colleen’s heart to shine a light on God’s presence throughout ordinary days and encourage women in their faith walk with Him. Although some days bring trials and others bring joy, Colleen believes that if you fix your eyes on Jesus then you will see the heart of God.

Colleen’s writing has been published in the following online publications: Living By Design, Her View From Home, Inside Out Worldwide, Inkspirations, and in anthologies like From Ruins to Restoration, Mountains Moved: 45 Devotions of Bold Faith, and The Miracle of Prayer. She is a monthly blogger for Dressing in God’s Love.

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Connect with Colleen:
Website: authorcolleenchoward.com