Morning Devotional 013122 Declutter Your Hearts

Liz’s Morning Devotional based upon Upper Room

January 31, 2022

Read Hebrews 12:1-3

1 So then, with endurance, let’s also run the race that is laid out in front of us since we have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us. Let’s throw off any extra baggage, get rid of the sin that trips us up, 2 and fix our eyes on Jesus, faith’s pioneer and perfecter. He endured the cross, ignoring the shame, for the sake of the joy that was laid out in front of him, and sat down at the right side of God’s throne. 3 Think about the one who endured such opposition from sinners so that you won’t be discouraged and you won’t give up.

Good Morning! Jesus gave his life to remove our sin!

Most of us know at least one hoarder in our lives, and maybe you are the hoarder. For me, it is hard to get rid of unnecessary stuff. That stuff that I might need one day! When I moved last summer, I got rid of so many things, but when I look in my closets and in my garage, I still see so much stuff. Think of the clothing that no longer fits. We hold on to it with the belief that one day it will fit again, and I will need clothes that fit. How many power cords do you have that seem to belong to nothing that you own?

These examples are of physical clutter in our lives, but God calls us to rid ourselves of the emotional clutter that fills our hearts and minds. This can be even more challenging than throwing out that favorite pair of jeans that haven’t fit in the last 10 years. Emotional clutter includes the hard feelings that we harbor long after we’ve “forgiven and made up” with the other person. Emotional clutter also includes our prejudices and judgment against others. What about someone’s “dirt” or “skeleton” that you are holding in reserve just in case you need it someday? That, too, is emotional clutter. Toss it out!

When we can focus on Jesus and how he released us from our bondage, we will find joy rooted in the love of God. Choose joy and live your life clutter-free.

Loving God, Thank You for loving us. We know that we hold on to so much unnecessary baggage. Help us clean “house” so that we have room to fill ourselves with joy. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen

Thought for the day: Today I will let go of the clutter in my heart so that I can better serve God.

Choose Joy! Pastor Liz