Cluttered Heart

“Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.” – 1 Peter 2:1, NIV

Recently, Cindy decided to move her bedroom. She’d been sleeping in a downstairs bedroom but recent construction noise from her next-door neighbor had made it difficult to sleep. She decided to move her belongings into an upstairs bedroom that was further from the noise.

But she didn’t want to just haul her stuff from one room to the next. She wanted to clean both rooms thoroughly. As she started working, she quickly realized that her room had too much clutter. She made a pile of donations that she could give to a local church.

It took the weekend but when Cindy was done, she was happy again. Her new space looked cozy and comfortable. She knew she’d enjoy spending time in her bedroom again, now that it was clutter-free.

Sometimes, our hearts can get cluttered. In the verse in 1 Peter, he lists a few things that can cause emotional clutter: malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander.

But what’s the solution if you’re dealing with a cluttered heart? You need to release these sins by confessing them and seeking God’s forgiveness.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9, NIV)

God, I confess—my heart is cluttered with sin and pride. Please purify and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. I know You are faithful to forgive me. Thank You for that sweet promise. In Jesus’ name, Amen.