Clutter

The heart is used in Scripture as the most comprehensive term for the authentic person. It is the place of conscious and decisive spiritual activity. The heart is at the center of how we contact God and His spiritual world.

“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” (Proverbs 4:23, NLT)

Your heart is your personal headquarters for every issue of life – your walk with God, marriage, family and kids, friendships, financial and career decisions and every choice you make. Because your heart is so central to all the issues of your life, it’s imperative that you guard your heart and keep your “headquarters” clear.

Just like freshly organized closets or drawers eventually become disorganized and clutter-filled if not attended to, so too, your heart can get filled with clutter if you don’t guard it. Let’s examine some potential areas of “clutter” that try to take root in your heart:

Busyness—It’s hard to hear your heart and follow the things that God puts there, when you are too busy to listen to Him. This is why it’s essential every day, preferably in the morning, to set time to get alone with God.

Voices—There are many of voices to distract you. It’s no secret that the media, advertisers, friends, family, enemies, unforgiveness, hurt and even our own voices are fiercely vying for your attention! Keep your heart tuned into God’s voice and His Word and turn off the “clutter” of too many voices.

Guilt—the condemnation that comes from sin will clog up your heart. The enemy uses guilt to create a sense of unworthiness and shame. This will discourage, condemn, overwhelm and eventually destroy you if not dealt with. But 1 John 1:9 if you simply confess your sins to God, he will forgive you and cleanse you.

Fear—through fear of man, fear of losing your security, fear of living by faith, fear of loss, fear of just about anything, you live in anxiety and the enemy gums up your heart and robs you of the ability to follow your heart. Again, John helps us clear the clutter out…

“Love never brings fear, for fear is always related to punishment. But love’s perfection drives the fear of punishment far from our hearts. Whoever walks constantly afraid of punishment has not reached love’s perfection.” (1 John 4:18, TPT)