Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14
Christmas is over. The tree is boxed up and back in the attic and it’s time to tidy up around here. There was no shortage of gifts, though and finding a space for everything spins me into a frenzy every year. Although purging and organizing isn’t fun, it is a visual reminder to make space in my life for what really matters and get rid of what doesn’t.
The New Year is a wonderful occasion many people use to make a fresh start. (Been to the gym lately?) All resolutions aside, why not take the opportunity to evaluate not just your stuff but what’s stuffed inside your heart.
The truth of the matter is, every day with Jesus we get the chance to start over with a clean slate. His mercies are new every morning! What kind of things do you and I need purged from our hearts and our lives to make room for Jesus, the one who matters the most and who never gets old?
Is there unforgiveness? Bitterness leftover from the holidays? Jealousy over what someone else has that you don’t?
What about worry, fear and anxiety? Are they filling up space in your mind and soul that should be overflowing with joy and peace?
If you’re like me, there’s a lot of cleaning out that needs to take place. Like in our homes, it’s so easy to put things in the closet or under the bed until we find the perfect time or mood to deal with them. Unlike our homes, did you know this is one job you don’t have to do yourself?
Sometimes we think we have to come to God after we have cleaned out our hearts and organized our lives, but that’s not the case! Truthfully, we can’t do anything in this department no matter how hard we try. All that we can do is run to Jesus, confessing our sins and need for Him, recognizing the condition of our hearts and allow Him to do the work. “Nothing in my hands I bring, simply to the cross I cling.”
Jesus has the power to transform and change our lives, we don’t. Now is a great time to open up your heart to Christ, confessing your need for Him and allow Him to begin or continue His good work in you. He is faithful to complete it.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 2 Corinthians 5:17
Have you opened up your heart to Jesus today?
His servant and yours,
Paula Nelson