Scripture Reading:
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
— Matthew 6:19–21 (NIV)
“He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.’”
— Psalm 46:10 (NIV)
Retrospection:
There’s an old saying: “Cleanliness is next to godliness.” While it’s not a direct Bible verse, the phrase encourages us to keep our hearts pure and our lives in good order. It is a call to live with integrity and spiritual mindfulness.
If that’s the standard, I’ve always considered myself a “clean” person. But along with that, I’ve also been a busy person. Much of what fills my days involves church work or spiritually centered projects. Still, I’ve never heard anyone say, “Busyness is next to godliness.”
From sunrise to sunset, I often find myself shifting from one task to another, answering messages, helping others, and attending to my home and work. I always make time to begin my day with God, but as the hours pass, my schedule tends to take on a life of its own. Although I view my diligence as a commitment, I’ve learned that constant busyness can blur the line between devotion and distraction.
One turning point came when I volunteered to help a friend with an event. I worked tirelessly, one task led to another, until I realized I had gone twenty-four hours without sleep. My body gave in, and in that exhausted state, I began hallucinating. It was frightening. That experience humbled me and reminded me that, even as I serve others, I must also care for the temple God gave me, my body and spirit.
Since then, I’ve made a conscious effort to slow down. Scaling back my commitments hasn’t been easy, but as I began to simplify, I found something beautiful: clarity. With fewer distractions, I became more aware of God’s presence throughout my day. My prayers deepened, my thoughts quieted, and peace began to fill the spaces where stress once lived.
I no longer schedule time for God; instead, my life revolves around Him. I’ve learned that walking lightly, shedding unnecessary clutter and commitments, opens more room for God to dwell in my heart.
I am happy to have discovered how an uncluttered life makes it easier to hear God’s whisper.
Application:
Choose one area of your life to simplify this week: your time, your space, or your commitments. Ask yourself: What can I release to create more room for God’s peace to settle in my soul?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
Teach me to walk lightly and live simply, trusting that You are all I need. Help me release the weight of unnecessary busyness and worldly pursuits that crowd my heart. Fill the quiet spaces of my life with Your peace and presence. May my days flow from a place of stillness, not striving, and may every moment reflect my devotion to You.
In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Voice of Hope by Marlene 