Spring’s arrival sprinkles (or thunders) into our lives, giving us glimmers of warmer temperatures and blossoming flowers. The longer days remind us to start decluttering our homes, causing us to head into spring cleaning with extra energy. But we forget one important area that also often needs a bit of “sprucing-up:” our souls.
In our culture of hurriedness, we easily find ourselves hindered by the debris gathering in the corners of our hearts and minds: it’s the buildup of dreariness, depression, dread, defeat, and more. Spiritual stagnation sits on the windowsills of our souls, creating little “dust bunnies” of doubt. Before we know it, the “dust bunnies” pile up and eventually begin to look a little bit more like “dust monsters” as shadows of shame add definition to our darkness.
We don’t have to live in the dust of yesterday’s shame or pain. Instead, we can “declutter” our souls and refresh and renew our relationship with God. As we do, the love of Christ will compel us not to live for ourselves, but for His glory [2 Corinthians 5:14].
Spring cleaning checklist (for your spirit)
“ Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” – Hebrews 12:1-2 [NIV]
Spring typically symbolizes renewal, rebirth, and rejuvenation, making it the perfect time to do a bit of “spring cleaning” in our hearts. As believers, we’re called to run our race with faith, leaving behind what hinders us and pressing on towards the new promises found in Jesus [Hebrews 12]. Here’s a quick checklist to help you tackle spots in your soul that might need a bit of tender care:
- Process: Consider what areas are hurting your heart the most right now. What “dust bunnies” of sin, sorrow, or shadow-filled burdens are cluttering your spirit?
- Prepare: Open your heart to God’s healing touch. Are there areas you’ve been holding back from Him, or from receiving His goodness?
- Present: Bring your requests to God. We’ll never be able to clean our souls on our own—it just isn’t possible in our human power. However, this is truly a blessing, because it strengthens our reliance on Jesus. What can you bring to His throne of grace today?
- Profess His promises: Speak Scripture over your soul. No matter what patterns, habits, or hinderances are holding you back, you have a new identity as a child of God. He renews our mind as we fix our eyes on Him [Hebrews 12:2]. Write down the promises that speak to your situation. What does He want you to hear?
- Press forward: Step forward in faith, knowing that God is your strength. If He is faithful to wipe every tear from our eyes, will He not also wipe the dust from our souls [Revelation 21:4]?
He restores my soul
No matter where you find yourself in spring or any other season, know that spiritual restoration is possible, even if those pesky “dust bunnies” have made happy homes in our hearts. When we feel spiritually stuck, God is faithful to meet us and bring His renewing rain to wash away every bit of dirt.
“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for His name’s sake.” – Psalm 23:1-3 [NIV]
Take heart, dear one—His name is above every name [Philippians 2:9-11]. No matter what your “dust bunny” is named, He reigns above it. No area is too much for His cleansing touch.
