"Spring Cleaning Time"

You’ve heard that expression, “All is alive and well.” Well, that statement is not so true when it comes to our fleshly (carnal) nature.

My question for you is are you in a hard place right now? Does God seem to be doing some heavy duty “spring cleaning” within your inner being? Feeling a little extra elbow grease pressure in one or two spots? Hah! I know. I was there not long ago. It is the place where an internal struggle was going on. It was an uncomfortable time and most assuredly painful too. I knew I needed to face some deep feelings and wrong thinking if I was to continue going from glory to glory becoming more like Christ. Why are we surprised to think it’s going to be pleasant to die to our flesh? More pride maybe? Gosh, isn’t that what got us into trouble in the first place?

Paul’s letter to the Galatian church was to remind them to walk in the Spirit, to not get side tracked by distractions, petty fights, or legalism. He reminded them that they have been liberated. He encouraged them to allow the Holy Spirit total control over their flesh and to love one another purely.

At the most difficult of times I have heard myself having a conversation with the Lord asking Him why I can’t stay blind to at least some areas in my life or at least be able to be a bit shallower in my thinking. Why do I have to be surrendered in every way, shape, and form? I tell Him I see other Christians who don’t seem to have to deal with His “spring cleaning” as often as He deals with me. (At least to me it doesn’t seem like they are going through it—but how would I really know that and who am I to tell God anything?)

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Does this stubborn behavior remind you of a kid complaining to a parent who has placed guidelines for that child they love and who is under their care? Love illuminates. It is pure and our Father has such a zeal for His own children (that’s you and me) that He thoughtfully prepares us for the journey that will lead toward maturity. God has that much faith in us and that much love to help us fulfill all that He created us to be. The Lord isn’t surprised by our “ugly thoughts”. He knows us better than we know ourselves. I know that for me, He loves me enough to show a mirror into my heart. And that’s where I will see Christ and my new nature…one like His.

I know, I know. Sometimes we don’t want to grow up (or be humbled) but when we remember it’s for the reason of loving others like Christ then what’s a little internal stripping away of our old nature? God’s Spirit exposes the spots. I then need to admit to them, repent, and then feel what true freedom is. There is no condemnation-that would never come from the Lord. He only gives unconditional love to His children.

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I was met “there” in my struggle, and with all my many spots He offered me grace. Oh don’t you know that His yoke is easy? It’s our flesh that weighs us down! Freedom came to us by the price Christ paid on the cross. He took my spots upon Himself--died for those spots. Then by becoming that one-time accepting sacrifice, the Father sees us through the holiness of Jesus. A little spring cleaning leads to a better spring in our step!! Amen.

May it be our desire that we be women who live in the present and are aware of the world around us. May we take notice of the blessings God gifts to each of us, and always long to hear His whispers. Shall we also pray with a more purposeful focus on God’s will? And as we stay connected in our relationship with Christ, we will become more thankful followers. Let us commit to doing this together! Close your eyes…Open your heart, let God’s Spirit empower you today.