Ephesians 4:31 – Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. (NIV)

Once all the Christmas decorations are taken down and put away, have you ever noticed how much more space you have? We have a large home, so even with the holiday decorations, it is not cluttered. But still, I am always taken by surprise at just how much bigger it seems when everything is put away for another year.

This year, as I was considering this detail, it came to mind that when we choose to put away bitterness, rage, anger, every form of malice, and anything and everything that does not line up with God's will, we are also creating more space within ourselves, our minds, and our hearts for the important things of God:

Galatians 5:22-23 – But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. (NIV)

When the fruit of the Spirit bedecks our lives, we shine within the world for Jesus like a brightly lit Christmas tree for all to enjoy.

So, this new year, along with taking down and putting away my decorations, I am also going to take time to ask the Holy Spirit to show me if there are things within my life that also need packing up and putting away. If there are, then I want to do it and do it quickly, through confession and repentance, which in turn opens up more space within me to know and to do God's will.

How about you? Any packing up and putting away that God may be speaking to you about?

Prayer: Father God, thank You that we can count on Your Holy Spirit to point out to us areas in our lives that need to be packed up and put away, that more room may become available within us for Your presence and our growth in You. In Christ's name, we ask You to show us. Amen.

Forward this devotional     Share on Facebook

About the author:

Lynne Phipps <lynnephippsatlin@gmail.com>
Tawatinaw, Alberta, Canada
Send your feedback to the author