Last Thursday I did my Spring cleaning in one of my upstairs bedrooms. The window was broken and my husband had to replace it, and so things were kind of a mess. Besides which, I've been using that room for anything that didn't have another designated place. I don't use the room much so it was in dire need of cleaning. My son is coming in 2 weeks so I wanted it to be clean before he came. Thus I delved in and cleaned it from ceiling to floor and found places for all the "treasures".As I was cleaning that day, I was thinking that my heart and soul really need a spring cleaning also. For at least a month it seems I have been very restless. I don't know what has caused it for certain. But I have been feeling like I need to figure out a purpose for my life. It seems to me like I'haven't done much worthwhile for some time.
In my heart, I know that there are a few things that I'm doing for the Lord. I am mentoring a woman in prison, who I feel has had significant spiritual growth since we have been writing to each other. I have sent her a Bible, books (such as "Purpose Driven Life"), etc and with my encouragement she is now also working on Bible memory. I have been to see her three times in this past year since I started this relationship with her.
I also help my husband in the radio ministry for "Radio Lumiere" in Haiti; and I've helped in our Sunday School class at church. But still, I've had this restlessness of spirit.
As I've been thinking about this, these 3 words/phrases have come to mind:
Cleansing/Pruning/Remaining: John 15: 2- 4 ...every branch that does bear fruit, He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me."
When I had finished cleaning my upstairs room, it was clean and orderly, and could be more useful.
Transformed: Romans 12: 2 "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what god's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will".
My room was certainly transformed from chaos, dust and dirt t0 being clean and attractive.
Teachable: Psalm 25: 4-5 (This was one of my first memory verses this year) "Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth, and teach me. For you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long."
I don't know what cleaning my room taught me, except possibly that maybe I should keep it clean on a more regular basis.
I am trusting the Lord to give me a calm spirit, and to show me His way, and to help me be fruitful in His service. I pray He will do a work of spring cleaning in my heart and soul and keep me teachable, and show me ways that I can be used by Him.
6 comments:
Donna, So many people are complaining of the same restless spirit as you. I do not think it is what you are doing or how much you are doing. I am sure the Lord is pleased with your service because you do it from the heart. You are a big inspiration to me. Perhaps he is calling us to a deeper prayer life. Our world is becoming a darker place and so much is pointing towards a great tribulation and perhaps the Lords return. As christians our purpose is to spread the gospel and pray for the lost. I could use a deep cleaning myself
I truly enjoyed this post, Donna. It speaks to where my heart is as well. I just have to wait to work on these things until after the wedding though because I feel my brain will explode if I have to think about one more thing. After Saturday I'll come back and read your insights again! lol
Donna I too have been feeling restless, anxious even a bit of a shift of something....wonder what is making so many feel this way. I also find I have been clinging to my faith more.....so glad you spoke about it my friend...:-)Hugs
This just makes me want to sit before the Father and allow him the scrub brush! I completely understand where you're coming from; how I need some time of honest introspective before the Father so that he can clearly lead me in my "next." Even as I tarry before him, I pray for you as well.
God is up to something in your life; may his favor and good pleasure be your portion as you navigate these new waters, friend.
peace`elaine
First of all....I'm glad to hear Tim is coming. I hope to meet him if he's here long enough.
Then, I agree with the others and sense this kind of restlessness in myself AND others. I wonder if the Lord isn't preparing us for His soon return? (I see Dee said this, too.)
I think we're (I'm) conflicted because I'm too self-absorbed or measuring my satisfaction by my "success rate" or involvement in activity/ministry.
The opening for me next week couldn't have come at a better time. I KNOW God was behind the invitation and can't wait to see what it is He has for me.
I truly enjoyed your post. I have been thinking about my spiritual walk for a long time. As I was reading your post I came up with an idea for a ladies study with the ladies on the net. I will post about it. Thank you for your post.
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