House Cleaning

The spirit of a man is the lamp of the LORD, searching all the inner depths of his heart. Proverbs 20:27 NKJV

For You will light my lamp; the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness. Psalm 18:28 NKJV

Recently I became motivated to do a thorough house cleaning. It is amazing when I begin going through closets and dressers how much stuff I find that has been hidden away for YEARS! Some of it is useful and still needed. Much of it no longer needs to take up the space. This project is getting spread out over a number of weeks but when I am finished there will be a sense of accomplishment and welcome space.

This morning I am sensing God urging me to do an internal house cleaning. He is probing my heart with questions that are causing me to do a lot of thinking. It is not the kind of questioning that leaves me feeling shamed and condemned. Rather, the questions are inviting me to allow Him to reveal to me some hidden areas that need my attention and His touch. I am finding that over time I can pack away, stuff, and hide many things and it is time to open the doors and drawers of my heart so that WE can begin to clear away some clutter and allow His Spirit more space in me.

Here are the questions that have already begun to make their way down the corridors of my mind. What are the things I still fear? Is there anyone or anything in competition with God for my heart? Where do I still feel shaky in my walk with Him? What changes am I presently unwilling to make? Where is my energy, focus, and passion directed? What strongholds have yet to be demolished? What lies am I believing about God, myself, or others? To whom am I not willing to show love? What are my conversations centered around? How am I spending my free time? Where do I tend to walk in distrust? What are my priorities? What are my motives and agenda behind my actions? What wounds still need healing? What have been my most recent victories? Where do I see growth in my Christian life? With whom have I recently shared Jesus?

The questions are endless but certainly not daunting! God will use my honest answers to show me where we still need to work. I am assured of His love, patience, and help through all of this. I feel safe and cared for because He has already shown me His heart and character. May this time be productive and beneficial in many ways!

Father, do a thorough examination of my heart! Illuminate all that needs to go and all that needs to stay. I give You the key to every “room” in me. I rest under Your watchful eye and in Your tender hands. Amen.