Is There Garbage in Your Life?

Today's reading: "Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit with in me. Do not cast me away from your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your Salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit." Psalm 51:10-12

Is there garbage in your life? I was recently watching some television programs on people who hoard belongings in their home to where every square inch is covered and smothering the individual in a manner that is not liveable. Sin can be like this, too. It is easy to justify the things we put into our hearts, but it doesn't make it right. Sometimes people hold on to things in their lives because they don't know how to let go of the things they are possessing. I have a storage unit, and it makes me think about all of the things I have held on to for years. Sin can have a hold on you for years, too.

The sad truth is that sin keeps you in bondage, it turns friends and family away from you, it blinds you to what must be done in your life, and it grieves the Holy Spirit. I often wonder why we hold on to things. What comfort does it bring?  Does it bring any joy in my life? I have to say that holding on to things can really weigh you down. There is no satisfaction or comfort in things. Additionally, holding on to those things in your heart, whatever those things be, take you away from the truth, and obscure reality. 

This weekend made me think about all of the things I have hoarded in my heart. You know, sometimes we just are not honest with ourselves. Until we actually recognize how dishonest we are in our own hearts, we cannot change. When sin creeps at your door, garbage piles up. Take that garbage and throw it out, and do not return to it. In 1 John 1:9 it says, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."  Also, in James it says, "Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed." James 5:16 

No one can give you a clean heart, but God. It is through Jesus that we can have a renewed spirit, and walk in the hope of salvation. Draw near to Him, and He will draw near to you.(Jms. 4:8) This is my desire, to walk in Christ with a renewed heart, a heart that is clean and have thoughts that are heaven bound. I have had junk in my heart that has been carried for too long. Today I give it to Jesus. I am encouraged by this last thought, "... God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble." James 4:6 Lastly, in Proverbs it tell us, "Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones." Proverbs 3:7-8

My prayer today is: Jesus, help me to not be wise in my own eyes. It is easy to become arrogant and proud when I think I am able to do things my way. Please forgive me for my pride. There has been junk in my heart, and lately it has shown. Please go through my heart and clean house. Today, I choose to do the right thing and follow You in the mercy of You. I lift up the other people I know who have been holding on to things too. Help each one let go of the burdens that hinder their walk, and let them fall to the ground. Lift them up and fill their spirit with Your grace. Give to us clean hearts, and help us to pray for one another that we each might find that healing in Your love. In Your name, Amen.