Decluttering By Faith
Clutter has a way of freezing us in place (pun intended, as it’s currently in the single digits here in North Jersey!). It sits while we linger in indecision, sometimes for years: What do I do with this? What if I need it later? Am I ready to let it go? Over time, piles become burdens—not always because they’re large, but because they require choices we find hard to make. What looks like a “stuff problem” is often a trust problem.
As I’ve been reading through Genesis, I’ve been intrigued by how God speaks to Abraham—clearly, yet vaguely. God tells him to go, but not exactly where. He promises blessings without revealing the full plan. Yet Abraham obeys immediately, in an act of faith. If we’re honest, this isn’t how we prefer life to work. We want clear instructions, timelines, and certainty so we can feel prepared and secure. We want a detailed, organized plan.
But faith doesn’t work that way. God rarely reveals a full itinerary to us; instead, He invites us into a deeper relationship. As 2 Corinthians 5:7 reminds us, “We walk by faith, not by sight,” trusting Him to guide us through the twists and turns even when the road ahead is unseen. Faith isn’t about knowing exactly where we’re headed—it’s about learning to recognize His voice along the way. It’s may not be information we lack but is often trust being formed. Like a road trip with a close friend, Jesus doesn’t explain all the directions in advance. He simply says, “Turn here”, “Go there,” then later, “Slow down,” and eventually, “We’ve arrived!” traveling with us the entire way.
I’ve discovered that decluttering with faith is much the same. We expect ease in knowing exactly what to get rid of, how long it should take, and how life will be all better when it’s done. Instead, Jesus offers His sweet presence as we begin—one drawer, one pile, one tough decision at a time. For those with ADHD, anxiety, or strong attachment to belongings, this gentle pace allows us to move slowly and imperfectly. Shame loosens its grip as it’s replaced not with pressure, but with companionship.
This morning during my Coffee With Jesus, I glanced at my bookshelf and noticed a few binders filled with old notes from past classes. Honestly, they’ve sat there for years because I haven’t known where to begin. As I prayed, I heard the words: “Cull through them.” I quickly looked up cull, which means to choose, select from a large quantity, or reduce. I realized with amazement that I now have a clear direction to take. Letting go isn’t just about what we keep or discard; it’s about drawing closer to the One who loves us and knows exactly what we need. Jesus doesn’t issue instructions from a distance—He walks them out with us. And day by day, that is more than enough.
Coaching Connection:
- Where are you asking for the full map when Jesus may be offering one directive instead?
- What might change if decluttering became a conversation with God rather than a task to complete?
To Your Growth,
Photo by Kindel media at Pexels