In the course of daily life, it doesn’t take long for clutter to pile up.

Whether its junk mail, dishes or dirty laundry, the hectic pace of daily family life means a clean house can turn into what my Mom always called a “pig sty” in no time flat.

I took for granted as a child what I now understand all too well as a parent. Keeping a home clean takes a concerted effort from everyone under that roof. Otherwise you’re stepping on Legos and staring at piles of laundry on the bed, wondering how much is actually clean.

The same holds true with the mind and the heart. It doesn’t take long for clutter to pile up there, either.

You wake up bright-eyed and with the best of intentions, a cup of your favorite beverage in hand. 

Then you find an unpaid bill in that junk mail. Your kid takes their time getting ready to go. You get cut off in traffic on your way to work. Your boss piles on another project. Your co-worker makes you their personal complaint department. A customer gripes at you for something you didn’t do. You get home and you’re “to-do list” is longer than the hours in your day.

That joyful, thankful heart you started the day with is a cluttered pile of frustration, worry and bitterness.

But just like keeping a home clean takes effort, so does keeping the mind and the heart clean take a daily, intentional effort.

All through Scripture, we see the importance of a constant and purposeful restoration of our though process and heart condition, as Paul wrote to the Romans. “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2, emphasis mine)

In other words, our day should start with more than a cup of coffee. We need to start the day in God’s presence before we take on anything else. It’s crucial, because the work of restoration is not something we can do on our own. We have to let the Lord clean house daily in our hearts.

As David prayed, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.” (Psalm 51:10-12, ESV)

When Moses instructed the Israelites, he made clear the Word of God was to be an constant presence in their lives and in their homes. It was the only way they would be able to take hold of what the Lord had promised them in the face of the massive battles that were to come.

“You shall teach (the commandments) diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. you shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” (Deuteronomy 6:7-8, ESV)

In the same way, we can never hope to face the battles and temptations each day brings apart from the calming presence of our Savior. 

So, before you dive into the chaos of each day, make sure you take time to let the Lord do a little housecleaning in your heart.

Daniel Kiewel is a reporter for the Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune. He can be reached at dkiewel@gbtribune.com.