Clutter-Car

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me . . .. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.

~Psalm 51:10, 12 ESV

I spend way too much time in my car. I want it to be uncluttered and clean, but despite my best efforts, I find this difficult. I have a clutter-car. 

On any given day, my car is loaded with my rolling briefcase, overstuffed with files as I drive from school-to-school conducting student evaluations. I’m ashamed to say my ride can be quite the clutter pit. Receipts, Diet Coke cups, fast food sacks, junk mail, gym bags, coffee mugs, half-empty water bottles.

Cleaning Out the Clutter

Recently, I did a thorough purge of the vehicle. I threw away a bunch of trash, and made two trips hauling all the cups, clothes, and papers into the house. I went to the car wash and got the “your car is pitiful” package that included me standing on my head vacuuming up all the crumbs and dog hair.

After all that, I made a solemn vow (that I may or may not have made before) to keep my car clean. For about a week, I faithfully straightened up my car daily so I could start each day with a clean ride. It felt amazing.

Cluttered Again

Then, I skipped a day. And another. And another. Soon, I noticed my car turning into a mess again.

God’s Message

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.

~Psalm 143:8 NIV

As I chastised myself for breaking my clean-car streak, a thought settled on my mind as gentle as a sigh: Small messes make quick cleanup in your car and spiritual life.

Uncluttered and Clean Spiritual Life

Isn’t it the truth? When I keep close to God, confessing my sins and struggles early and often, my soul remains in a peaceful and uncluttered state. It starts with beginning my day with God and inviting Him into every nook and cranny of my day.

When I feel frustrations rising, I vent to God instead of whomever else is handy. If I veer off-course, He gently nudges me before I go completely off the rails. When I’m not sure what to do, I ask Him, and He gives me the wisdom I need. Wisdom to speak up or keep my mouth closed. Wisdom to ask for forgiveness or forgive quickly, even if I receive no apology. Wisdom to give sacrificially or accept support when I need it.

Fixing My Gaze on Jesus

Although this is the way I want to live, my flesh continually lures me from the Lord’s side. The enemy hollers over God’s gentle call. Life distracts me from fixing my gaze on Jesus. The next thing I know, I’ve let a week, two weeks, or a month pass since I’ve spent quality time with God. The weight of unconfessed sin feels stifling, and my soul feels dry and empty.

Can you relate? Gracefully, God is right there when we realize we need a soul-clutter purge. He’s as close as a breath ready to welcome us back to where we belong–under His wing. 

How do you deal with soul clutter that needs clearing?

Lord God, thank You for Your patience with me when I allow my soul to get cluttered and dusty. Thank You for the relief of repentance and returning. Help me to stay close where You can keep my soul uncluttered and clean. In the name of Jesus I pray, amen.

 

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2024: Uncluttered and Clean: Lee Merrill: All Rights Reserved