Springtime brings a sense of fresh energy and rejuvenation to most of us. In addition to the days slowly becoming warmer, the flowers blooming, and birds happily chirping, many of us also see this time as a great opportunity to clean, organize and rejuvenate our homes.

As I was going over my own "To-do list" for the Spring, a thought came to mind. What a great opportunity we have not only to clean our earthly homes, but more importantly, do a Spring cleaning of the heart as well! For some, it may be a spiritual practice we do often. For others, we may find that we often do a little maintenance here and there but need some detailed and intentional attention to our spiritual cleanliness and health.

I would like to take a moment to share some suggestions to help begin this process of spiritual cleaning.

First, we need to sort through and get rid of any sins, old attitudes, and habits that may be holding us back and allow ourselves the freedom to move forward openly seeking God's will in our lives. Hebrews 12:1 reminds us to "Throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles." This requires us to be honest with God and ourselves and the courage to leave our hindrances behind us.

Second, once God has brought our sins or hindrances to our attention, we need to ask Him to scrub our hearts clean again, as we confess our sins and ask His forgiveness. 1 John 1:9 tells us that, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." After receiving God's forgiveness, we need to forgive ourselves as well.

Third, we need to clean out the negative thoughts we may have. At times it is easy to fall into old habits again because we allow ourselves to listen to Satan's lies. He will do anything he can to keep us in bondage, but we have freedom in Christ! We need to daily proclaim the truth we find in John 8:36 where we read, "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." We are victorious in Christ.

Lastly, we need to take a close look at our spiritual routines and make improvements or modifications where needed. In order to keep our hearts clean, we must make sure our relationship with Jesus is at its best. Do we need to spend more time with him in prayer? Are we failing to hear him because we have neglected reading his Word to us? Have we allowed other distractions to take priority in our lives when God should be at the top? I Chronicles 16:11 says, "Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always."

These are just some examples of areas we can start spring cleaning of the heart, but I encourage you to talk to God and allow him to show you where to start.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, you love me too much to leave me the way I am, and I thank you for that. You are constantly working in my life and I lay my heart at your feet asking that you cleanse it and make the necessary changes to make me more like you. Thank you for your forgiveness and the freedom that you have given us in Jesus Christ. I look only to you my God and my strength and choose to seek your face always. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus' name, amen."

1.      Psalm 51:10 (NIV).