top of page
Search

Little by Little

Norma Donovan

“To him who still remains in this world no repentance is too late. The approach to God’s mercy is open, and the access is easy to those who seek and apprehend the truth.”

St. Cyprian

A few weeks ago I had a professional organizer come to my house. I have been talking and praying about de-cluttering and organizing my house for years but needed the wisdom, expertise and accountability from another person. Clutter depresses me while having things in its place gives me peace. I need to become more organized in order to obey God’s call and fulfill His destiny.

It’s amazing what you learn about yourself in the process of de-cluttering. I’m easily overwhelmed when the project is huge and it’s difficult to break it down into smaller, attainable goals. You eat an elephant one bite at a time and likewise, organizing my house is done one step at a time. The disorganization didn’t occur overnight and neither will establishing order. Moses encouraged the Israelites prior to entering the Promised Land in Deuteronomy 7:22. “The Lord your God will drive out those nations before you, little by little. You will not be allowed to eliminate them all at once, or the wild animals will multiply around you.” As long as I make it a priority getting rid of things and finding places where my possessions belong, I will keep moving forward little by little.

I also discovered I don’t like wasting things and I’ll hold onto items in case I may need it years down the road. The organizer taught me whatever we don’t let go of, we will have to maintain, which takes time away from accomplishing what my heavenly Father wants. Letting go of things brings freedom, while having to take care of my belongings holds me captive.

My heart can also become cluttered with offense weighing me down emotionally. Holding onto offense and keeping a grudge does me no good, just like keeping things I don’t use or need around the house. Matthew 6:14-15 encourages me to forgive. “For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Forgiveness is a gift you give yourself. The Lord forgives you as you forgive others, letting them off your hook of offense.

As a little girl visiting the northern Arizona forests, I was both fascinated and grossed out when I turned over large rocks and discovered wiggly bugs underneath. Until the rock was turned over I had no idea what was under it. This morning I was reminded of this while beseeching the Lord to make me a woman without any hint of impurity or sin. I asked the Holy Spirit to turn over the rocks within my heart and mind, to point out any wrong motives, thoughts or feelings. I desperately desire to be His pure vessel, one whom He can fully trust.

The “bugs” are cleared away through repentance, confessing your sins to God and having godly sorrow. (II Corinthians 7:10) To repent is “to feel pain, sorrow or regret for something done or spoken.” Repentance is a hundred and eighty degree turn, where you’re no longer doing what you want to do, but desiring to do what only God wants. Relationship restored is the fruit of repentance. Just as peace is restored when I have an orderly house, so too does God’s peace descend upon me when things are placed in order spiritually, through repentance and forgiveness.

Keep short accounts, readily forgive those who have hurt you, repent of your sin against God and receive His forgiveness. Then little by little peace will be restored to your heart.

“Repentance is the relinquishment of any practice, from conviction that it has offended God.”

Johnson

Relevant Reflections:

1. What offense is “bugging” you? Release the offender through forgiveness.

2. Ask the Holy Spirit to point out the “bugs” hiding under the rock of your heart. Repent of your sin and receive God’s forgiveness.

3. What areas in your life do you need to be encouraged that little by little you will get it done?

5 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comentários


OUR PURPOSE
logo%20RHM_edited.png

Transforming lives one       at a time.

heart-small_edited_edited.png
CONTACT

P.O. Box 376

Andover, KS 67002

SUBSCRIBE TO WEEKLY BLOG
QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER SIGNUP
  • Facebook

© 2024 Restoring Hearts Ministry.  Website by OpenHand Creative

bottom of page