Clean Out the Closet
And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil. – Joel 2:13
This one does not fit right; this one is worn out; maybe someone else would like this item; this “bargain” was not such
a bargain after all! These were just some of the thoughts that went through my head as I cleaned out my closet. It is amazing how things collect and
just hang there month after month, and some even year after year! My closet rods seemed to let out a sigh of relief as I lifted off the unnecessary
weight they had been supporting. Now there was room for the remaining garments to hang freely and not be wedged in so tightly that they suffered wrinkles
or creases.
Looking at my closet, I thought about the “prayer closet” that each Christian has with the Lord. It is not a literal closet, but the place in our hearts
where we can commune with God. Sometimes it seems life can become tightly packed with things which are not really valuable, or may even be unfitting
in our walk with the Lord. We may have allowed ourselves to buy into things that are not appropriate “garments” in our spiritual wardrobes. These items
are dangerous because they can fill up our thoughts and time, cramping out space for the Lord.
How good it feels to get rid of unnecessary loads of compromise, frustration, anger, worry, pride, or whatever else we might have allowed the enemy to
hang on us. Through prayer we can ask God to help us take inventory of our hearts and toss out anything that may be getting in the way of His presence.
Without the needless clutter, everything fits well and feels good! Our prayer closets become more restful, peaceful, and comforting when there is plenty
of space for the Lord to abide.
Has your prayer life felt hindered lately? Try cleaning out your prayer closet. It is a wonderful relief to get rid of the junk and make room for the Lord!