Can I make a confession? I have a bizarre fascination with a television program that turns a mental disorder into a form of entertainment. This program offers viewers a front-row seat to the dirty laundry and closet skeletons of the participants. The result of unhealed trauma wounds, this disorder leads people to develop an unhealthy attachment to, well, things. Victims of the disorder struggle deeply with the very thought of parting with possessions, and any attempt to remove the clutter from their lives results in an overwhelming sensation of distress. In an attempt to avoid these feelings, the individuals continuously accumulate clutter in and around their homes, disrupting living spaces and negatively impacting daily functioning. You may have heard of this show before - it’s called Hoarders. 😷
As a mental health counselor, you might assume that I watch this program to gain better insight into mental health disorders, to learn the latest intervention techniques, or to understand the relational impact the disorder has on families and friends. But, since I am airing my dirty laundry here, I must confess the truth: I watch this show because it makes me feel better about myself. When I am watching Hoarders, the screams of the dirty dishes in my kitchen sink are silenced. The burrows of dust bunnies in the corners seem cute and unobtrusive. I breathe a sigh of relief, telling myself, “Well, at least I’m not like that.” My bent towards comparison quickly becomes a source of pride.
However, as I examine the depths of my own chaotic soul, I see that I am more like the participants of Hoarders than I realize. My heart, mind, and lifestyle have become so cluttered that I can’t see past it all to the Savior on the other side. I have built a life for myself that is filled with fears and fascinations, and everywhere I look, there is someone or something competing for my attention. Jesus spoke to this in the parable of the sower. In Matthew 13:22, He says, "The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful.” Ouch!! Talk about a plank in the eye!!
So, my friends, what distractions are cluttering our lives and choking our ability to experience the fullness of God? What are our “thorns”?
Most days, it seems that the greatest source of clutter is in our minds. Like waking up to a mountain of dirty dishes, still greasy and grimy from the previous day, the distractions and worries of a cluttered mind pile one on top of another until there is no space for anything else. To clear our minds, we must intentionally make space for communion with God. His word tells us in Isaiah 26:3, "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in you.” The greatest longing of the human soul is to experience intimacy with our Father, but sometimes we need a little help along the way.
Here are some practical tips to help us refocus our attention on God by making daily communion with Him a priority:
1. Set aside intentional time each day, free from distractions, to be in God’s presence. This might mean turning off your phone, finding a quiet room, or stepping outside into nature. The goal is to create a physical space where you can focus solely on God and His voice.
2. Create a ritual that signals the start of your communion, such as lighting a candle, playing soft worship music, or reading a passage of Scripture that invites God's presence.
3. Commit to silence or solitude during your quiet time, giving space for reflection, prayer, or meditation. Silence is powerful because it allows God to speak and you to listen more deeply.
Old habits are hard to break, and new habits are hard to form. Old habits provide a false sense of security, while creating new habits requires consistency, discipline, and patience. But “God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7 By stepping out of the landfill of distractions and integrating a few simple habits into our daily rhythms, we can begin to experience a “sound mind” that is not burdened by the demands of this world, but that rests in the supernatural peace and satisfaction that only He can provide.
Sarah Rivera, Guest Content Writer
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