Where do I begin? That is often a question that comes up when a person needs to start sorting through things to get rid of items no longer needed or wanted, or when it’s time to declutter..
Perhaps a good place to start is with your heart and mind. Are you holding on to things you don’t need and haven’t used in years? Do you think, “I might need it someday”?
I struggle with that too. You never know when you might need something, that you haven’t used in 15 years, but you can let it go…just in case.
Is it healthy for us to hold on to things we don’t need? Probably not. But how does one let go?
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make straight your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Seek God and trust in the Lord. Does it seem silly to you to seek God about sorting through your stuff?
Think about it. Why are you holding on to things you don’t need? What thoughts, memories or emotions might you be holding on to that is preventing you from letting go of material things you don’t need?
When we seek God first about everything, He will provide us with what we need including the strength to let go of the things, including the emotions, that we no longer need. Invite Him to go through your things with you and allow Him to direct your thoughts and feelings regarding each item. Ask Him for peace with the things that you are letting go and peace with the memories that may to tied to that item.
To trust in the Lord with all your heart and don’t depend on your thoughts and feelings about the “what ifs” when you let something go, is healing and freeing.
When I seek God and trust in Him in the sorting process, not only does it make more space in my home but it also seems to free up space in my mind and heart, less clutter. That, my friend, is a beautiful thing.