There’s no doubt that this decluttering business is a tough job. It doesn’t matter the area or room you’re working on, or whether it’s something else you’ve been dealing with, there are a lot of decisions to be made. Last week I talked about three surefire ways to get rid of the clutter, and I’ve had to cling to each of those belief statements this week.
Recognizing the cause of clutter was huge for me. There are things I can part with easily and there are things I hold onto for dear life. The challenge for me is learning when it’s time to let go.
In 1 Timothy 6:6-8, Paul wrote, “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.
Over the past few months I have been convicted to let some things go. I believe God has been perfectly clear in telling me to clean out, get rid of it, and get organized–once and for all.
I’ve been doing a lot of reading on the best ways to simplify my life. Many of the articles I’ve read are grounded in scripture and that’s been on purpose. I want to honor God and obey his commands, while also creating a home where we can rest and be restored. There have been some laughs along the way too.
Recently I came across the information that I should only have 46 hangers of clothes in my closet….I started shaking my head no. I mean, let’s not get crazy. Who am I kidding? I have close to 46 school t-shirts! Can I pare down the number of pieces I own? Absolutely. But I’m not going to focus on a certain number. Instead I’ve decided to evaluate what I have, when it was worn or used last, and whether it needs to go or not. No emotions. No guilt. Just let it go.
But this whole decluttering process is about more than cleaning out closets or drawers. I believe God wants me to live a simpler life. A life not caught up in possessions or extra baggage. So if I’m going to follow His commands and lean on His promises, then I must choose to put my words and thoughts into action.
You know His word says in Hebrews 13:5, ‘Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”
This is not about seeking a minimalist lifestyle (that’s a story for later.) It’s about cleaning out and discarding the stacks of overabundance. It’s about severing the emotional ties and giving up or giving away whatever I need to.
Tweet ThisThis is a work in progress for sure but I am comforted by Matthew 6:19-21. These verses say we are not to store up treasures for ourselves on this earth, but instead we are store up our treasures in heaven, where are hearts will be also.
This journey is about obedience. It’s about releasing my fear of letting go and it’s about moving forward with a plan of action to actually pare down, remembering I have plenty and lack for nothing.
So as I move forward with the purging I will be more thoughtful about what my real needs are. I’ve already made the decision to enjoy what I have and to refrain from future purchases that are based on want or impulse. I will continue my efforts to pave the way to a clutter free life, pleasing God as He calls to me to simplify.
‘For the longest time I thought I needed to be more organized.
Now I know I just needed less stuff.’
How are you simplifying your life? Are you seeing and feeling a difference as you work your way through the decluttering process? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below. I’ll be praying for you.
Blessings & Hugs!
Since this is my spring break week, I am giving a couple of days to decluttering projects. I just need to identify which I want to tackle first. I want to make more room in my kitchen cabinets by getting rid of any old pans or kitchen ‘gadgets’ we don’t use. That may be my starting place:) I’ll let you know how it goes!
Yes! I am in the process of this very thing, Mitzi! I loved this post and I love this series! I, too, am not making any purchases that are derived from a want. In the past, I have gotten need confused with want. It’s so easy to convince myself that I really “need” something. I have looked a little deeper and God revealed to me that I was lacking a need in my heart and to lean into Him to fill it. Thank you for this series!