Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Time To Unclutter



"You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you." (Isaiah 26:3)

This is a brand new year to begin to focus on uncluttering all the chaos and disorder that I allow in my life. I'm talking about taking a close look at my hurried time and trying to unclutter and free up my physical, mental, and emotional space. It's going to be a slow process for me to clear my mind and release all the built up anxiety that often overcomes me. There are just simply limits and excesses of trying to think and do too many things at once at both work and home, and I am determined to save more of my energy for the things that inspire me and that I have a passion for.

"Peace I leave with you: my peace I give you. I do not give you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27)

I think that many of us have so much going on in our minds that we don't hear God speaking to us and let His word get into us. His desire is for us to hear and listen to His voice and to spend time with Him. I like the following phrase of Beth Moore: "To have peace like a river is to have security and tranquility while meeting the many bumps and unexpected turns on life's journey. Peace is a submission to a trustworthy Authority, not resignation from activity." It's all about clearing the clutter from our minds, and releasing our grip on all the disorderly stuff in our lives, and giving it all to God! :)

The clutter in our minds can prevent us from feeling good and enjoying the present moment. We need to spend more time with God and with people we love, and save our energy to do the things that we really want to do and that are the most important to us. Rather than just "spinning our wheels", we need to practice letting go of our thoughts and emotions and instead enjoy the present moment wherever we are. We should all make every effort to center our attention on Christ first, rather than focusing on life's obstacles so that His peace will overcome our souls and refresh our bodies. In the end we will have more self assurance, respect and confidence, and live a simpler life! :)