Spiritual clutter is a loaded topic, isn’t it? It can represent any number of messy and complicated issues. Our goal this week isn’t to tackle the entire vortex of spiritual clutter, but to get started by putting our focus on one main topic—freedom—and then let God do his healing work in us as it relates to this powerful concept.

What does freedom represent to you in spiritual terms? Really, take a moment to think about it because this is where the clutter often comes into play.

Does it feel like freedom when God tugs at your heart to forgive someone who has hurt you? How about when he prompts you to tell the truth when a little white lie would make the situation easier? Or what about giving up a habit of eating a bag of cookies or chips before bed because it makes you forget the frustration of single-parenting, or drinking more than you should to curb the loneliness in your life?

All of these things have somehow or other served a purpose and may have become coping strategies that have kept us afloat in the sea of our crazy situations. But in all reality, they are not good for us. These habits, behaviors, attitudes, and motivations eventually become a burden and keep us stuck from experiencing the freedom God designed for us.

God’s way to freedom often looks and feels backwards. There are all these commands of don’t do this, and don’t do that, and it can feel like confinement, not freedom. But like most spiritual ideologies, there is a deeper meaning, and in return, a deeper benefit to be found if we are willing to dig for it.

Our verse for this week implores us to stand firm in our freedom that Christ died to give us. And the boundary lines he has laid out for us are not punishments or guilt trips, but they provide a necessary roadmap for how to align our lives with his standards so we can remove the burden of unforgiveness, of addiction, of bitterness, worry, judgement, perfection, self-centeredness, etc.

Like anything good, it takes some energy, mental fortitude, prayer and even some tears to clean out and clear up our notion of freedom. It starts by allowing God to give us clarity about obedience. When we choose to obey his standard of living, we can simplify the unnecessary clutter from our spiritual banks in order to forge ahead into the destiny he has for us. And that, in and of itself, is freedom.

I think it’s important to remember not to get caught up in performance based religion—full of rules and regulations, that demand perfection. This is where most of us tend to collect spiritual clutter. Often it is the false belief that we can earn God’s love.

Instead, let us stand firm in the freedom Christ has given us by aligning our lives to reflect balance in our behaviors, thoughts, emotions, and attitudes. Not to earn God’s love and favor, but it is our response to the love he has already shown us. The more we choose “his way”, the more freedom we will experience.

These last few weeks have been really challenging and we’ve touched on some pretty difficult stuff. Way to hang in there and soldier on! And although we have only touched the surface of de-cluttering physically, emotionally, and spiritually, I pray that God worked in your heart and your mind, and brought you closer to him and to the freedom he wants you to have in your everyday life.

All of this is a process. Please make sure you allow yourself the grace to transform at your own pace. God has some amazing plans ahead for you and this process is getting you ready for each and every great and important adventure.

Our scripture for this week is straight-forward, Christ has set us free. Free. Take that in. Breathe it in. Don’t you just want to throw your head back and lift your hands in the air and receive that? Its time, my sweet friend, to let God heal that part of your heart that is burdened by spiritual clutter. He wants you to believe him, trust him, and follow his roadmap so he can set you free!

Reflect and Respond:
Ask God to show you one area, one concept, that keeps tripping you up. Once you have identified it, start a prayer strategy around it. Use any scriptures you can, including our scripture this week, to battle for your freedom.

Remember, you are not alone. Be blessed this week and be FREE. Big Hug.