Cleaning Out The Clutter

Sunday, October 27, 2024
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Listen while you read: "At The Cross"1 (Lyrics)

A Revisited Devotional from August 5, 1997

Psalm 139:23-24 – Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (NKJV)

I got up this morning with a craving to clear out the girls' dressers and closets and to send a bunch of clothing to the Salvation Army. Only Alyson was witness to this, and she shed a few tears to see some clothes go the way of the black garbage bag. However, once done, forgotten.

I came downstairs and decided that it was time to do my daily devotional. I use Our Daily Bread. I am ashamed to say that I haven't been too "daily" lately, and I had to flip quite a few pages to get to today's date. As I was doing this, I thought, I wonder what the subject will be today? Get this: the title was "Cleaning Out the Clutter".

Does that happen to other people as well? I can't count the times that the subject has been exactly what I needed for that day. God sure had my attention as I read about spiritual clutter and how to clean it out.

  • Unresolved conflicts that pile up in our hearts: "If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother." (Matthew 18:15 NKJV)

  • And unconfessed sins that gather a thick layer of guilt: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9 NKJV)

WOW!

Prayer: O Lord, what a relief to know that our sins can be forgiven and that we can be cleansed of all unrighteousness as we confess our sins to You. Make the truth of this real in our lives. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Juliana Elsinga <julianaelsinga@gmail.com>
Kensington, Prince Edward Island, Canada

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1 Comment

  • PresbyCan Feedback says:

    Thank-you, this has happened twice this week and it is amazing!


    Thank you for sharing this encouraging devotional with us. Blessings.


    That may have been from years back, but I still enjoyed it this morning. Thank you.


    Hello Juliana,
    What a good message in your devotional today! So practical! Keep writing!


    Thank you for your message about taking care of some clutter — I still have too many books and clothes that I need to downsize.


    Good morning! I was thinking about decluttering today and I came across your message. Thank you for your perspective and fresh view of something we “should” know. God Bless you!


    Good morning, Juliana,
    Yes, this happens to me and when it does, I usually chuckle and tell God how amazing He is and thank him. I’m usually in awe of His timing in these cases.


    Juliana, ah yes! When my clutter finally grabs my attention, I am struck with how distracted I must have been to allow it in the first place. (My sock drawer needs a thorough culling!) Our loving Father is able to show us and give us his grace and power to address our spiritual clutter too.
    Thanks so much for writing your helpful story.


    Good morning, Juliana and thank you for this devotional written over 20 yrs ago.
    There certainly are things or activities that don’t change over time, and it is important that we stay ever faithful and serving to our loving Lord.
    He certainly is ever there and ready to serve us no matter the situation and ever deserving of our reverence and praise. Blessings for this past writing.


    I’m certainly glad this piece of writing was reused. It made me laugh at how much it sounded like me.
    I’ve often thought of God pruning in my life but now I will be aware of the clutter being cleared. Thank you,
    (Manitoba)


    YES! In fact it happens quite often – even on Sundays when the preacher begins … saying everything I was talking about with the Lord that morning – and answering questions I had asked Him! Isn’t it the most wonderful gift!! It makes life quite exciting – to me anyway. I love that you shared this – sometimes I feel as if no one else really has that experience – I just get a sort of stony smile and a nod, so it’s nice to know I’m not alone. God bless.


    Thank you, Juliana. It definitely happens to me!

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