As I walked the other day, I began to think about things that have happened in my life. Things that could make me bitter if I let them. Then I heard God say, “You must pick up the litter in your life.” In a moment, I knew what He meant. I must forgive and release those things to God…It’s the same as picking up the litter and throwing it in the trash.
The sea of forgiveness runs deep. None of us are immune to the need to learn to forgive.
Litter can also be wrong thoughts we’ve entertained and have let cloud our view of God, ourselves and others. That too must be picked up. Cleaned out and removed forever.
It’s time for many of us to do some public beautifications to our minds and hearts. In the same way that cities will clean up parks and then plant flowers and add playground equipment and trails, we must clean our minds of refuse and then invite Holy Spirit to come fill the now empty places and bring beauty.
If we don’t release the litter in our minds, then it surely will become a stumbling block and bring about a stench to our lives. You wouldn’t want that, would you?
When I think about releasing all the hurts and lies, I am reminded of this Psalm…
Lord, who may dwell in Your sanctuary? Who may live on Your holy hill? He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart and has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman, who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the Lord, who keeps his oath even when it hurts, who lends his money without usury and does not accept a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken. Psalm 15
We can always return to scripture anytime we need a solid reason to do good. It’s worth it. Always.
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6:9-10
When we don’t see our reward on this earth, we can be assured of a heavenly one. Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. It’s far better to be pointed toward a heavenly reward. On earth we will have wins and losses, and in heaven we will receive our eternal reward.
Prayer Moment: God, clean out the litter in my heart. Help me to walk out forgiveness toward any and all who have wronged me. Give me courage to love those who don’t love me in return. Help me to be a carrier of Your Presence and Your grace. Teach me Your ways. Lead me closer to heaven every day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
365 Days in the Presence 