Over the past few days, I’ve been cleaning out closets. There is so much excess, that I couldn’t possibly need all of it. It was full of useless items that have created clutter. Of course, as I pilfered through the mess, I came across photos that stir my memories; my children when they were younger, school pictures, and our rambling adventures from our vacations, and other times spent together. You see, among the clutter and useless items, are precious memories, even among the items that have become too much; it’s what you do with them that matters the most. It is so important that we clean up our memory, and refine it with the fire of the Holy Spirit. We need to look at our past as stepping stones that got us where we are, whether that is good or bad. Many people have gone through trauma that has led to disaster within their heart, and need for God to use his refining fire to reclaim it for his good. No matter how heinous the crime against you, remember that this world never changes, and the enemy uses the same tools over and over again. You didn’t go through what you went through to let it go to waste; use it to help someone else, let them see that healing is possible with Jesus. Clean out the closet of your heart, and let Jesus show you the good that can come from your experience.
For you, O God, have tested us; you have tried us as silver is tried. You brought us into the net; you laid a crushing burden on our backs; you let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water; yet you have brought us out to a place of abundance. Psalms 66:10-12