Apparently, a thorough cleaning of the bathroom or kitchen floor is an irresistable invitation for someone to make a huge mess there. It usually happens within the first 24 hours of me finally getting it clean. This week was no exception.
Such a phenomenon is akin to spiritual house cleaning. According to Matthew 12:44-45, order and empty space can attract chaos and evil influences to a person’s heart. When it comes to the physical house where I live, I wish things could stay clean for a while. But grime just keeps accumulating by the hour.
When I fill my time with too many activities (which I tend to do), the conditions inside my house and within my heart worsen. Actually taking time to tidy my house gives me mental space to reflect and meditate on what God is saying to me. But alas, cleaning does not come naturally to me (and Erin's words remind me I am not alone in this).
As I’m cleaning up spills or picking up dirty socks over and over, perhaps I can ponder deeper truths instead of just being annoyed. One is that I need to come and let God cleanse my sin-stained heart each time I make a mess of it. And since I continue to err, I must keep seeking forgiveness. My reluctance to humble myself gets in the way of this however.
Delving into the book of Isaiah, I see that continuing to ignore the need to make things right leads to very grave consequences. As I wrestle with applying the principles that come from studying Isaiah, it’s helpful to be part of a group of women doing the same thing. Sometimes I think I shouldn’t be relying on a method or structure for my spiritual growth; yet God is currently using the BSF approach to speak to me. I am thankful that He patiently persists.
How is He speaking to you?
7 comments:
Gorgeous post! right now He is speaking to me through Beth Moore's Daniel study. I am teaching it to our girls ministries leaders in a sunday school setting. God is so good and we can learn SO MUCH from the life of Daniel! I love the book of Isaiah too :) visiting from cup of coffee... nice to meet you!
Seems like we've been in a similar place this week...almost literally. Mere moments after mopping the kitchen, my daughter spilled her milk. Then, a couple hours later, glitter glue got transferred from a craft to my (almost) clean kitchen floor...
And, I've been stuck in Ps. 92. The phrase, "in God alone" that David uses is what the Lord is encouraging me to grab hold of.
I read through Isaiah just a few weeks ago...very convicting. I used to do a "house blessing" once a week and as I went through the house picking up other people's messes, instead of fussing, I would pray for that person. It really did help to change my heart and attitude. I should probably reinstitute that into my routine!
Hope you have a great weekend, filled with clean bathrooms.
Gotta love how God uses the daily things in our lives to teach a spiritual lesson. So heartbreaking about the floors....but it is just so cool to see how God is even in that.
Lots to chew on - thank you!!
All so very true. My heart said a couple of "oh dear"s as I read, and then as I read some of the comments. What Star said (One More Equals Four) is such a wonderful perspective! I really should bless, and not curse, the things and people in my home as I follow along behind and put things back in order!
What a great insight! It's so easy for me to feel sorry for myself because "a mother's work is never done" or whatever. But really, what work in life ever has an end? There wouldn't be much point in my existence if I learned to be perfect in a day.
Really inspiring post! I am like you, too many activities. Between unplugging and cutting out excess, I ought to not only get more done, but hear Him better! Good one!
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