How’s your soul?
I’ve heard of the Dog Days of Summer, but what do you call the late Winter days when the sun has been absent too long and the house is becoming stuffy? I am looking forward to opening windows to fresh breezes once again.
A few weeks ago, I talked about spending a day clearing out stuff: a new year, a fresh start, a lightening up. Now that some time has passed, at the end of short days, I still have too much clutter. What about you?
Cleaning out one’s life is no easy task. The clutter inside has accumulated for years. We hold onto stuff because it reminds us of a long ago relationship, or a time when life seemed more carefree, or even an old dream that has died. Now all that stuff is sitting in boxes in the garage, or the basement, or the attic, just waiting for us to clear it out.
Hmmm … signs of a disordered heart!
How’s your soul?
It takes courage that only God can give to clear out those boxes from the places we live. But what happens when we actually move the boxes out the door (our decision, our hands) and allow Jesus to carry them away?
This is Repentance. It means a change of direction. Only by clearing away the old can there be room for the new. Take a breath of fresh air. Turn your face away from those old boxes and look to the horizon: possibly the blush of a brand new day. Blessed freedom! Can you see it stretch before you?
How’s your soul?
As surely as the sun is coming back, we can trust what Jesus does for us on an everyday basis. He comforts our hearts, establishes our work, gives truth to our word, strengthens our courage.
Stand fast and confirm to your heart what you know: that God loves you with an everlasting love.
Now step into your new freedom and move forward toward the new year with confidence and expectation!
“Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work” II Thessalonians 2:16-17.
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