Spring Cleaning (of our Soul)

“Our Lord has written the promise of the resurrection,

not in books alone, but in every leaf in spring-time.”

- Martin Luther

The winter months are finally long gone and the first signs of spring are beginning to appear. It’s actually been officially “spring” for one week now and I was thinking about how that might relate to our peace-journey.

Everything outside is beginning to bloom, birds are singing and there is a freshness in the air. We want to bring that freshness indoors so our “Spring Cleaning” projects begin. We vow to clean and organize our homes beyond our regular weekly chores, in order to prepare for the changes that will occur once the nice weather is here to stay. We anticipate doing more entertaining, having out-of-town guests come for a visit, or having our homes inundated with kids who are enjoying their spring and summer breaks. Whatever the reasons... spring cleaning is a necessity.

As our spring cleaning begins, we also continue on our journey to seek God’s peace. So, we are reminded that “God is not a God of disorder but of peace” (1 Corinthians 14:33). We need to get rid of the broken, unused and unfixable. We need to un-clutter and gather donations for garage sales and thrift shop. Maybe it’s even time for us to freshen up our spiritual houses.

1 Corinthians 6:19 tells us “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?” We may need to take a spiritual inventory, and the change of seasons is the perfect time to do this. Have we been as committed or disciplined as we’ve wanted to be? The good news is that it is not too late to get back on the right path. Just wash away those obstacles. Are our words, thoughts and actions pleasing to the Lord, or are they a little dusty? Not to worry, get out the mop and sweep away those little dust bunny temptations. What is in our spiritual closets? Have we locked the doors and hidden the key? No problem, God has the “pass key” to all of our rooms, included the doors in our hearts. And He already knows the junk we have hidden in the closets.

When we clean our home it takes time and lots of supplies such as cleansers, mops, buckets, trash bags, and much more. But when we do our spiritual clean-up, we only need one thing.... God’s Word.

Here are some cleaning supplies (scripture verses) that might help make spring cleaning easier:

"Create in me a clean heart, O God;

and renew a right spirit within me."

- Psalm 51:10 (NIV)

“Finally, my friends keep your minds on whatever is true, pure,

right, holy, friendly, and proper. Don't ever stop thinking

about what is truly worthwhile and worthy of praise.”

- Philippians 4:8 (CEV)

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins,

and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." - 1 John 1:9 (NIV)

“Let the Word of Christ—the Message—have the run of the house.

Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another

using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God!

Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done

in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every

step of the way.” – Colossians 3:16-17 (The Message)

“For He Himself is our peace.” – Ephesians 2:14

I remember when I was a young girl and my mom would tell me to clean my room. I would grumble and procrastinate, but when the job was done I remember the great feeling of accomplishment that came over me. I also remember seeing the smile on my mom’s face. I can’t help but think that as I attempt to do some spiritual spring cleaning, I will experience the same sense of accomplishment and just maybe, God will be looking down on me and smiling.

Have a blessed week, and happy spring cleaning!
God’s Peace, Donna Weaver

“Peace is always beautiful.” – Walt Whitman