mental clearout

There are times when our minds need a good clear out. Just like a room can become crowded with things we no longer need, our minds can become cluttered with worry, disappointment, fear, guilt, resentment, comparison, unanswered questions, and thoughts from seasons we have already lived through. We often carry things mentally long after we have carried them emotionally. We replay conversations. We rehearse what went wrong. We worry about what might happen. We question decisions we have already made. We hold onto expectations that were never fulfilled. Before we realize it, our minds are filled with noise, leaving little room for peace.

God never intended for us to carry everything. Scripture reminds us, “Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.” — Psalm 55:22 (NASB)

A mental clearout is not about denying what you feel. It is about bringing those thoughts and emotions into the presence of God and allowing Him to help you discern what needs to be released, what needs to be addressed, and what needs to be surrendered. 

Sometimes the greatest act of faith is letting go. Let go of what you cannot control. Let go of yesterday. Let go of the need to understand everything. Let go of other people's opinions. Let go of the guilt that God has already forgiven. Let go of the fear that keeps you from moving forward. Then make room. Make room for God's Word. Make room for prayer. Make room for peace. Make room for gratitude. Make room for new possibilities. Make room for the woman God is helping you become.

Philippians 4:8 tells us to intentionally direct our minds toward what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and worthy of praise. What occupies our minds matters. We cannot always control the thoughts that enter our minds, but we can choose which thoughts we will entertain, nurture, and allow to take root.

Today, give yourself permission to clear out the mental clutter. You don't have to figure everything out today. You don't have to solve every problem. You don't have to carry everyone else's burdens. You simply need to bring what is weighing on you to the One who is strong enough to carry it.

You don't have to carry everything you think about. Some things need your attention. Some things need your forgiveness. Some things need a boundary. And some things simply need to be placed in God's hands. Clear the clutter. Make room for God.