Devotion: Spring Cleaning of the Heart (His Encouragement)

I was the only one short enough to fit into the tiny crawl space. All the random items reminded me of the futility of storing up earthly treasures.

Black words on a green background read, "His Encouragement: Words from Scripture to Strengthen Your Soul"

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.”
–Matthew 6:19-20a, NIV

Jeff had to lift me on his shoulders so I could crawl into the tiny space behind the stained-glass windows.

Happy Spring! During this time of year, my husband and I always work on giving the house a “deep clean,” after a long winter. Jeff loves to clean but I always struggle with letting things go. I always worry that I will get rid of something that I will need some day.

Earlier this week, we did some spring cleaning at Christ Community UMC. I was the only one short enough to fit in the crawl space behind the stained-glass windows. I felt very claustrophobic as I squeezed into the closet high above the floor.

Once I was inside, I discovered lots of random detritus from more than fifty years ago! It seems the previous generation also had trouble letting things go. Sadly, time had worn away at many of the items and they were no longer useful. We were able to save some things, like a mural of the pyramids, but we had to get rid of many other items.

The entire experience made me think of what the Bible has to say about spring cleaning. “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-20a, NIV).”

Many of us feel the desire to hold on to items that are precious to us; however, it is good to remember that nothing in this world lasts. Everything gets old and breaks or eventually fades away. The only thing that truly lasts is God’s love.

The changing of the seasons is an excellent time to do some introspection. Today is the perfect time for all of us to do a little spring cleaning of our hearts and let go the things that separate us from God. What are we holding onto that is separating us from God? Are there habits or worries we can hand over to Christ so that our hearts can be free to focus on sharing the God’s Love?

This Spring, it is my prayer that all of us will work on storing up heavenly treasurers instead of earthly ones.

Until Next Time,

–Rev. Rebecca

About the Author: Rev. Rebecca L. Holland is a pastor in the United Methodist Church and the author of Hope for the Broken: Using Writing to Find God’s Grace, now available from Touch Point Press. She is visually-impaired and a proud member of the disability community. Click here to find out more about her books and her writing.

Jeffery and a kind church member haul away the extra items that we pulled from the crawl space.

This post is part of the series, “His Encouragement: Thursday Thoughts to Strengthen Your Soul.” Every Thursday, a group of friends and fellow Christian writers join together to share the Bible verses that are encouraging us during the week. What scripture verse has been on your heart lately? Let me know in the comments below!

Please be sure to check out the other great bloggers involved in the His Encouragement weekly series!

Trisha @ Joy of Reading

Nicole @ Christian Fiction Girl

Jacquelyn @ A Heavenly Home

Jessica @ A Baker’s Perspective

Becca @ The Becca Files

Jenny @ Author Jenny Lynn

Gina @ Stories By Gina

Andi @ Radiant Light

Leslie @ Words of Hope

Claudia @ By Claudia Mose