Is Your Soul Cluttered?

We all know what clutter is, don’t we?  It’s the closet full of shoes we never wear.   It’s the clothes hanging in our closets year after year and we know we will never wear it, but, hey, maybe we will.  And what about those cupboards jammed full of stuff we may someday use or the basement stored with items we don’t need any longer.

Well, this year I purposed in my heart I would do some spring cleaning, clear out the clutter in my closet, basement and garage.  Oh my, this became a daunting task amidst the other responsibilities of ministry and full-time employment.  Fortunately, my young adult sons were able to help me.

It is the same way that clutter comes to our souls. We are spirit beings, that part of us that is alive unto God that will live eternally.  We have a soul, which is our minds, will, and emotions.  And we live in a body. 

In a world where there are so many things clamoring for your attention, it’s easy to overlook taking care of your soul.  As a result, we can become exhausted, overwhelmed, overscheduled, anxious, isolated, and dissatisfied causing in a cluttered soul.  I’m sure many of you can relate.

What is soul clutter? Soul clutter is the collection of emotional, relational, and spiritual issues we have been stepping over and ignoring.  What are some of those things that clutter our minds? Insecurity; gossip; rejection; fear; bitterness; obsessions; anger, and unforgiveness, and selfishness just to name a few.  The list goes on doesn’t it?  I am sure you can add a few of your own to this list. 

Sometimes I need to de-clutter my soul, getting rid of fears, bitterness, anger and self-focus (self-pity, self-interest, selfishness). These things build up over time if I don’t deal with them daily.

During an extremely challenging time in my life, the Lord place on my heart the importance of having a healthy soul. As a mother, minister, and consultant, my normal responsibilities of caring for my family’s needs, and add to that ministry and work responsibilities, began to take a toll on me.  I found myself in a place where in trying to meet the demands of so many, I was not taking care of my own soul.  I have come to realize that my mind and heart can become cluttered with worries, responsibilities, duties, children’s future, finances, time constraints, expectations, and disappointments.

All of these added together, tend to create soul clutter. If I don’t take the time to sort and deal with the clutter, my spirit becomes a mess and my heart becomes overwhelmed and weary.

In 3 John it says, “Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.” 3 John 2 (NIV)

You need to come to me and give me all those things that are weighing on your heart. “In quietness and rest shall be your strength.” Isaiah 30:15 This spoke volumes to me….

When soul clutter weighs us down, we can clear out the clutter and find rest for our souls. “Come to me all who are weary and 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.” Matthew 11:28-29

Be Abundantly Blessed.

Fran