Letting Go and Moving Forward

Have you ever cleaned out a closet that you just could not stand to open the door to because of the mess inside? It seems like each time you go looking for something in that closet, it cannot be found because of the chaotic clutter. Finally, you reach your limit and decide to clean it out. You pull everything out and oh my, what a bigger mess you now have with everything scattered on the floor around you!

As you take inventory of the clutter at your feet, you wonder how in the world you are going to get everything back into the closet. Suddenly you realize that some things just have to go. It is time to purge and get rid of what is not useful.

This month we have been doing some serious purging in our home. It is messy and unpleasant but it is necessary. I mean seriously…how does so much stuff accumulate? Some folks never think twice about just throwing things out or giving them away if they no longer want those things. I almost envy people like that because that is not in my DNA. I have always been one to hold onto something because I just might need it in the future. Lord deliver me! 

Ecclesiastes 3 Living Bible (TLB)

There is a right time for everything:

2 A time to be born; A time to die; A time to plant; A time to harvest;

3 A time to kill; A time to heal; A time to destroy; A time to rebuild;

4 A time to cry; A time to laugh; A time to grieve; A time to dance;

5 A time for scattering stones; A time for gathering stones; A time to hug; A time not to hug;

6 A time to find; A time to lose; A time for keeping; A time for throwing away;

7 A time to tear; A time to repair; A time to be quiet; A time to speak up;

8 A time for loving; A time for hating; A time for war; A time for peace.

As we read the words written by King Solomon in the book of Ecclesiastes, we see that even this man of wisdom addresses that there is indeed a time “for keeping and a time for throwing away.” (verse 6 ) 

I love how the NKJ version of this same chapter reads in verse 1:

“To everything there is a season, a time for every PURPOSE under heaven…”( Bold italics emphasis is mine)

I am not a big fan of making a New Year’s resolution. I used to make long lists of resolutions but over time I found them to be more defeating than inspiring. Instead, what I have done for quite some time is asking God for a “word” that would be my focus in the year ahead. At the end of 2018 I felt that my word for 2019 was to be “PURPOSE.”

The Webster’s Dictionary defines purpose this way: 1)the reason why something is done or used 2)the aim or intention of something 3) the feeling of being determined to do or achieve something 4) the aim or goal of a person 5) what a person is trying to do, become, etc.

Philippians 2:13 New International Version (NIV)

13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good PURPOSE. (Bold Italics emphasis is mine)

In pondering both the dictionary’s definition and Philippians 2:13 regarding purpose, I find myself asking these questions as I move forward into 2019.

What condition is my “spiritual closet” in?

Are there some things I need to spiritually purge and throw out before I can move forward?

Are the choices or decisions I make, in line with God’s purpose for my life?

Sometimes it seems easier to hold onto things we do not need because it is too hard, messy or painful to take inventory and throw out what must go!

But just like that messy closet that has become too cluttered to be useful, so too our spiritual closet which is housed in our soul, can become filled with things that hinder our faith walk. If our heart’s desire is to allow God to work in us and fulfill HIS PURPOSE, then we must be willing to let go of the spiritual clutter.

Fear, anger, doubt, disappointment, rejection, shame, offense, unforgiveness, bitterness, retaliation, hatred, envy, pride. These are just a few things in a long list that not only clutter but cripple a person and keeps him or her from fulfilling their God purpose. 

There is another thing I want to bring up even though this is often a difficult subject. What about that unhealthy relationship that God may be speaking to you about? We have all experienced those on some level at some point. Yes, I too have been there in the past so I understand what some of you may be going through. Here is the thing. There are some people in your life that are not going to be willing to walk with you or go where you are going. There are some people in your life that God never intended for you to journey with.

Sometimes these people become a hindrance rather than a help in your faith walk. You need to let them go and it is ok to do that. It does not mean you do not care about them. But they are not the best people for your life if they are holding you back. You can still love them and pray for them…but you may need to do it from afar. Some words to ponder over.

So now my friend, I present a challenge to you as well. Are you ready to move into your God ordained purpose? Maybe you made some New Year’s resolutions and have already messed up. That is ok. It is not too late to start fresh. The year is still new and God’s mercy is ready to be poured out over your life even at this very minute as you read these words.

I know it may not be easy to start the process of spiritual purging . It will likely be messy and even painful. But in the end it will be worth it. 

Are you ready? I know I am. Take my hand and together, by God’s grace, we will walk into all the goodness that God has in store for us. A year of promise and opportunity is waiting. It is all about letting go and moving forward. Let’s do this!

PS: If you are ready to purge those things that are cluttering your heart and soul in order to move forward, leave a comment. Just say, “I’m letting go!” I am here to lift you up in prayer.

Note: This blog post was written by Rosie Williams and first appeared on Nuggets from the Heart. This blog post, either in part or in its entirety, may not be copied, duplicated, edited or appear in any other publication without the written approval or permission from the author. For full copyright and disclosure information, click here. For questions regarding the use of this blog post, you may send an email to Rosie Williams by clicking here.