Have you ever seen a hoarder’s home?
Mounds of newspapers, magazines, and mail dated decades ago piled up from floor to ceiling. Closets, floors, even bathtubs filled with mementos and trinkets that have lost their value. Every square inch of space occupied. The only way in or out is by navigating a tiny winding path carved out among the rubble.
After watching several documentaries about hoarding, I’ve learned that as isolated as they are, hoarders actually crave intimacy and fulfillment in their lives. Yet, they are imprisoned by the mounds of debris they have accumulated around them.
To break free, hoarders must take three critical steps: (1) recognize their condition as a problem, (2) seek help, and (3) learn to let go. It’s not an easy task by any means. However, once a hoarder completes the journey miraculous transformation occurs. When they finally purge the junk in their homes that has held them captive for years, they are then free to experience the happiness, peace, and fulfillment they desire.
We may shake our heads in pity at the dysfunction of a hoarder, but how many of us have our own internal case of hording? How many of us feel trapped by less visible spiritual bondage?
Maybe you’re holding on to shame over what you have done in the past and can’t imagine a new future. Perhaps your heart is so filled with resentment and bitterness toward people who have hurt and disappointed you before that you can’t even conceive trusting anyone ever again. Or maybe, your thoughts are so filled with negativity that you can’t even see positive opportunities when they come your way.
We think we can just push this spiritual clutter to the side and go on with our lives. But one pile of spiritual debris attracts another…which attracts another…which attracts another. Soon, you are buried under a sea of hurt, pain, fear, resentment, and bitterness. And, because your soul can only take so much, your internal clutter eventually spills out into other parts of your life. You start to see the effects emotionally, physically, socially, and sometimes even financially.
The great news is the condition doesn’t have to be terminal. When you recognize that you’ve been holding on to spiritual clutter, ask for help, and then learn to let go—you’ll be free to enjoy the power, purpose, and prosperity God has waiting for you.
Cleansing Exercise
What are you hoarding?
Grab your journal and pen and go to a quiet place. For a few moments, reflect in silence about the things that might be clogging up your soul. Maybe it’s certain emotions, habits, thoughts, or even people. Make a list of all the things that come to you.
Now, look back over your list noticing how each of these things has blocked the free flow of God’s blessing in your life.
Pray and ask God to help you release these things from yoru life.
Soul Food
Meditate on this scripture today.
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. ~ Psalm 51:10 (KJV)
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