Get Rid of the Old, to Make Room For the New

Twice a year I go through my entire house to reorganize and get rid of things we don’t use. I’m definitely a “chucker.” If I haven’t used it recently it gets sent to Goodwill. I try and accomplish this task after Christmas and during the summer. It’s usually quite a process and it takes me awhile to get motivated but once I do, it’s a wonderful feeling. There is just something that feels so good about a clean, organized house. (My husband thinks this is a sickness!)

One of the more challenging tasks of this endeavor is sorting through the kids’ rooms. We find toys that they haven’t played with in months but as soon as they see it, they don’t want to part with it. All of a sudden, it’s the most desirable toy in the world, something they couldn’t possibly live without. I gently try to explain that we have too many things and if we don’t get rid of some things, we won’t have room for the new toys. I also want to teach them about sharing our things with other people who are less fortunate.

It’s difficult for me to understand why it is so hard to get rid of these toys that they don’t even play with! Why would you want so much clutter in your room? If you aren’t using it, why not give it to someone who could!

Once again, I have stop myself and realize that I do the same thing. Why do I hold on to past hurts, experiences and regrets? Why don’t I remember God’s love and forgiveness more often? Why do I fill my life with clutter – worrying what others think, doubting my purpose, fearing the future, and stressing over minor situations?

I decided for 2009 that I would get rid of the old to make room for the new. I didn’t write any New Year’s Resolutions. Our pastor encouraged us to write out a sin list and a prayer list and I would encourage you to do the same. On the sin list, write out all of your sins, ask for forgiveness and then burn the paper. Share your sins with your accountability partner so you are supported in prayer.

For your prayer list, make four columns: Date, Prayer Request, Where it was Answered and When it was Answered. Be very specific about your requests so you will see specific answers. Share your list with a trusted friend. You’ll be amazed at how God answers prayers – a lot of times we don’t even realize it. I started my list yesterday and already 2 of my prayer requests have been answer! This will be an incredible reminder to you and others what God has done in your life.

Pray in the Spirit at all times with all kinds of prayers, asking for all you need.
To do this you must always be ready and never give up!
Always pray for all God’s people.
Eph. 6:18 (NCV)

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