“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.“
Philippians 4:12-13
Ah, the dreaded “do-I-really-need-this?” topic. It can feel like a gut-punch to simplify your things! This past week I worked on this stewardship principle with my 7 year-old daughter, who cried at the tiniest thought of giving away a toy she didn’t even use anymore. We become more attached to our possessions than we realize, and we can begin to believe that our value/purpose/success/memories are dependent upon our ownership of “things.”
God challenges us to be content with what we have been given, whether that is little or much. Our identity is found in Him, not saving or discarding. Our things should never become THE thing. When we value what we have been given, there will be evidence of it. Some good indicators? Taking care of the items you own; not having too many items; being generous with what we have been given.
How do you handle your possessions?
Let’s Pray:
1.) Time to let down your guard: Pray for God to reveal to you any items/possessions in your life that He wants you to —
a.) be a better caretaker of, or
b.) wants you to donate/throw away.
2.) How does that make you feel? What does God say He wants to show you about your own heart concerning possessions? Repent if needed.
3.) Do the hard thing: Donate/throw away or take care of those items this week. Thank God for the ways He has blessed you with everything you need.
I am truly blessed and grateful! I use to be a bad hoarder! I had a three bedroom house, and we only used two rooms cause the other was my “stuff” room… I have been on a journey ,donating, yard sales and TRASH! i do feel much relief now. But that journey was hard… i know ,i know, its only stuff, but my mind was thinking totally different. It categorized everything as treasures…..ha! Welp not anymore! I have successfully decluttered.(with much help!) Now im not saying everything is picture perfect in my domain…. but its MUCH better then before! Every day is a new gift from God! A new opportunity to pray, do Gods will , and to learn from our mistakes… everything is a learning experience, and thats my point. I belive God wants us to learn…as he carries us through life! The things in my life are just things… I have so many more blessingsMy God, My family , my church! The fives! When i focus ,and pray , my joy is amplified! As the song goes “Ain’t nobody gonna steal my joy! (Grace Got You”…by Mercy me) and i ALWAYS have EVERYTHING i need, weather i like it or not….lol..!
I love how this discipline has changed your whole life! Way to go!