Spring Cleaning doesn't stop with just your home and yard. Spring is a great time to clean your mind also. God created us with a mind that has the ability to think and reason. Proverbs 23: 7 says "As he thinks in his heart, so is he." so what we think has a great impact on our lives.
The Bible tells us in Jeremiah 17:9-10 that the heart is "deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked" and cannot be trusted. But in Ezekiel 36:26 God promises he will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart.
As believers, we died with Jesus and are born again. We are once again connected to God and that stony heart replaced. We have a heart that is sensitive and responsive to God. It is now our responsibility to nurture that new heart and, with the help of Holy Spirit, change our thinking.
Our thoughts influence and affect how we perceive and react to the happenings in our life. Before we viewed our life with worry, fear, and negativity. Now, with our new hearts, we learn to think about our lives the way God does. That is where Spring Cleaning you mind come is. Like all other cleaning, it is an ongoing process.
So how do we "spring clean" our new heart and minds?
- Start by repenting(change our mind) and asking forgiveness. You then ask for Holy Spirit, who is our helper and teacher, for help. Ask Him what changes in my heart need to be made at this time?
- Clean your mind with washing of the water with the word. Ephesian compares a husband loving their wife as Christ loved the church. The wife/church is made clean by the washing of water with the Word. We need to daily cleanse our mind with the word of God. Find out what God says and change our thinking to agree with Him in every situation.
- Take control of your thoughts, It is imperative to take control of your thoughts. You can't allow your mind to wander into "enemy" territory of negative and pessimistic thoughts. You must not allow worry, fear, and doubt to take up residence in your mind. Determine to follow Philippians 4:8. Here are a few of my favorite translations of this verse.
From <https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+4%3A8&version=TPT>
As you apply the principals above, you find your life will becoming more delightful day by day.
As I go about my spring cleaning, God has been encouraging me to focus on the things that are true. One of the meanings of true is that which is the case rather than what is manifest or assumed. In other words, what I see or experience may not be the truth. My bank account says there isn't enough, but the truth is God supplies all my needs. My business and career don't look like it is successful, but the truth is whatever I set my hands to will prosper. God's word is what is true, not what I am experiencing at this time.
One of the definitions of think is to form a mental picture. A vision board is a great help for this. I also have inspirational mugs for my coffee and lots of "truth" sayings posted around me. As I surround myself with visual reminders of the truth, the mental picture is easier for me to see. Remember Proverbs 23:7 "As he thinks in his heart, so is he." That truth sinks into my heart and will become manifest in my life.
As we continue with our spring cleaning, don't forget the most important place-your mind. Is there one area that God is highlighting to you to change in your thinking? What are some things you do to "think about these things"? I'd love to hear about it.
Norman Vincent Peale said "Change your thoughts and you change your world." I'll continue with this in my next blog. If you are not on my mailing list sign up here so you don't miss it, and receive the Free Spring Cleaning Guide!
Until next time, keep on cleaning!
Relaxing with a cup of coffee can be a time when my mind wants to wander into enemy territory. An inspirational mug helps keep it where it belongs. Check out my mug collection here.
Not finding what inspires you? Contact me and I'll custom design one for you!
Check out my latest mug:
