One man’s junk is another man’s treasure!
Fullness of gratitude creates blessed abundance.
It is only with deep love that we live a life of abundance.
Each phrase depicts abundant life. But which one describes you? Which one can you live out as you seek blessed abundance?
When I was younger, I totally fed into the world’s belief that more is better. I pursued the “American dream” and increased the economy through purchase after purchase. My splurges at times went beyond food, shelter, clothing and safety. If the neighbor had the latest and greatest, I craved the same thing. Common sense flew out of the window and living paycheck by paycheck took its place.
Admitting this kind of lifestyle is like coming clean for me. My focus clearly was distorted and as a result my view of what was important lacked gratitude and love. My inward focus left me with abundance, but kept me from looking at the beauty of the blessings that surrounded me.
As I began to clean out my house to prepare to move, the residual effects of too much filled every corner. A sick, anxious feeling settled in the pit of my stomach. The process of cleaning out became overwhelming. In my effort to clean house and seek blessed abundance, God took the time to sit with me as I surrounded myself with “stuff” and showed me again and again that letting go created space for abundance to take root. His abundance comes in full when I let His light shine into the dark places where I hide the junk of my heart.
[Tweet “God shows us that letting go of our “stuff” creates space for abundance to take root. “]
Abundance in and of itself does not allow for God to work in and through us. Instead the clutter overtakes each crack and crevice and causes a sense of bloating. We are full to the overflowing, but we block out God’s goodness in the process.
Cleaning out my house created space for God’s blessed abundance to enter in. Each step to decluttering freed my heart from the grip of worldly possessions and turned my focus toward God’s love and blessings. It’s been a beautiful beginning and one that continues to unfold each time I allow myself to let go of one more stronghold and accept the grace to look beyond myself.
The beginnings of seeking, loving and being grateful for God’s goodness are taking root. Blessings look like communion with others, loving my neighbors, sharing my abundance with others, and letting go of the dark places to make space for God’s eternal light. Each baby step of gratitude for who I am and the gifts God designed for me produce fullness of life. As I grow in this fullness, God showers blessed abundance into all areas of my life. I am not left lacking for anything because God blesses me with all I need.
“May our effort, confidence and concern for others be the altar from which we pray for personal abundance.”
― Laura Teresa Marquez
Your turn…
How do you seek fullness in God and learn to let go of what you don’t need in the process?
Sabbath Blessings,
Hi Mary, I can imagine that overwhelming feeling you had while going through things before moving on. I sometimes feel overwhelmed with the stuff in my home even when not moving. I love your analogy. We can’t move on if we are holding on. I’m learning to ask myself: What kind of experience will that item bring me? Is it an experience that evokes the fruit of the Spirit? Sometimes an item helps us remember who we are in Christ, and all HIs promises to us doesn’t it? Even if it’s a good pair of socks, it shows us He cares for us and comforts us on our walk!
It is a very overwhelming feeling. One which isn’t completely gone yet but will be hopefully when I officially move next month. I also have asked myself whether the item is something that will bring me joy or be one that my sons would want in the future. It is a slow process but one that only works when you let go. Thank you for being here.
We are getting ready to move, too. Cleaning out shows me some of my greedy, selfish habits. Praying that as I enjoy a new home and the different lifestyle that comes with retirement, I find all my fullness in Christ instead of stocking up on a different set of things.
This: “God shows us that letting go of our “stuff” creates space for abundance to take root.” Great post friend! I needed to read this. Blessings rather than stuff!
So glad you joined me Tara! I pray your summer is going well.
I loved this thought: “His abundance comes in full when I let His light shine into the dark places where I hide the junk of my heart.” Physically cleaning out the cluttered places can be so symbolic of the work that God is doing in our hearts also! Thanks for these encouraging words to brighten up this Sunday!
Cleaning out has shown me that I add clutter much too often. Instead of keeping my heart open to the abundance God can give me, I fill it with unneeded junk. I am blessed that you were encouraged by these words. Thank you for being here.
Mary,
At one point in my life I moved every 3-5 years so that was like a forced purge, but still I held onto “stuff” for what reason I’m not sure. I’ve now lived in this house for 20 years (hard to believe) but oh boy the stuff that has accumulated. Drawer by drawer and box by box, my husband and I have been purging and donating our precious “stuff”. What a lightness that has entered in. Truly, when we let go of the clutter of the material, it allows more room for spiritual abundance to enter in. I believe living more simply allows more room for Christ to enter in. Amen to this post!!
Blessings,
Bev xx
I have not moved that often but I can imagine how it would help in making sure you don’t keep too much stuff. I know that lightness you describe and it does make room for what is truly important. I pray we both can learn how to live more simply through our decluttering. Blessed you stopped by!
Moving from a 3500 sq ft home to a one bedroom cottage 5 years ago wasn’t nearly as difficult as I thought it would be. While I do miss some of my collections, and handmade items from the family being displayed, I find that most of the “stuff” I need to get rid of is non-material in nature! A daily practice of gratitude is essential! I’m so thankful that God is blessing you and teaching you through this move, my friend! Blessings on your Sabbath!
I knew you had downsized, but that was a huge step for you. It’s interesting that some of the things I have already packed away I don’t really miss at all. I am still going through things to get rid of more before I officially move next month. It brings me joy to downsize and the joy brings gratitude. Happy Fourth!
“God took the time to sit with me”
I love that image, and it reminds me of God’s being outside of time and yet He enters into it with us.
Your hand is begin forced by a move; my hand is begin forced by a big renovation project that involves three rooms. We’re putting down new flooring, so everything has to be packed away and moved out of those three rooms. I’m asking God to help me to be intentional about what gets to come back in.
And I really need to clean off my bookcases this summer . . .
Being intentional about what comes back in has several meanings for me. We can do that more easily with our material belongings than with the other baggage that we carry in our hearts. Hmmm! You have given me food for thought. I’ll be thinking about you as you go through your “stuff”. Thank you for stopping by.
Abundance is more than just material things indeed. It is a heart full of love and gratitude.
Amen! Praying that we focus on all are grateful for rather than acquiring more clutter.