Clean Freak
I like my house clean. In fact, it’s hard for me to focus on a new task if my house isn’t clean. For example, if I’m going to start cooking dinner, the kitchen has to be clean before I start. If I’m folding or putting away laundry in my bedroom, my bed has to be made and all of my junk picked up off the floor before I begin. A little OCD perhaps? Yes, unfortunately it’s one of the many issues I realize that I possess! I also think it’s humorous the way people (including myself) typically pick Mondays to start eating healthy or working out. Why do we do this to ourselves? It’s like we think we have to start on a Monday for our health plan to be successful when the most effective day to start would be, um…now.
Today God reminded me that we don’t have to have a “clean house” before we come to Him. He brought to my mind the scripture in Hebrews 4:6 that says “come boldly to the throne of grace to obtain mercy and help in time of need.” Does it say “get your business together and then you can come” or “make sure you’ve stopped being angry at that one person or stopped cussing all the time and then you can come?” No. It simply says come.
I remember at one point my life being an absolute mess. I had tragically lost my entire family, and I didn’t think I’d ever be okay again. I cried out one night as I lay in my bed sobbing and just said “Jesus I need you.” At that moment, I literally remember feeling a hand on my cheek consoling me and bringing me peace. It was so real that I looked up through blood-shot eyes thinking that my husband had come in the room to lay down next to me. But no one was there. No one was there except for Jesus. I cried out to Him and he answered me. I came to Him in all my anguish and He was there. Throughout my grieving, He was there. He was big enough for my questions, for my heartache, for my anger and even for my apathy. As I continue to heal to this day, He has never left me and I know will never leave me.
Whatever state you’re in today, be encouraged that this can be the day that you start. Don’t worry about cleaning up the kitchen first- just come to Him. He’s ready and able to begin working in your life.
READ:
Hebrews 4:6, Matthew 11:28-30
