The Life-Changing Beauty of Cleaning Up
TRACIE BRAYLOCK
“‘Can anyone hide himself in secret places [so] that I cannot see him?’ says the LORD. ‘Do I not fill heaven and earth?’ says the LORD.” Jeremiah 23:24 (AMP)
Green juice poured over the kitchen countertop like a waterfall. I stood there for a moment in disbelief, staring at the contents of my extra-large cup that had turned on its side and spilled everywhere.
I made up my mind not to complain and immediately began the cleanup process. It had only taken seconds for the juice to spread far and wide, and I didn’t want it to settle any more than it already had.
As I began the deep clean, searching for spaces covered in green, I noticed cracks and crevices in my kitchen that I had never paid much attention to. I began admiring the craftsmanship of the cabinets and the workings of the revolving tray of the Lazy Susan, the fine details that I often overlook while navigating day-to-day life, as they were now demanding that I take notice.
As I scrubbed, I wondered what spaces in my life were in need of attention.
In my early years of motherhood, the responsibilities the new role entailed made it increasingly easy for me to focus my time and attention on everyone else. But I also allowed unaddressed concerns in my life to evolve into dampening fear, discouragement and feelings of disconnection from God. At the time, I was convinced I was too busy to let God into the tender spaces.
In Jeremiah 23:24, the Lord poses this question: “‘Can anyone hide himself in secret places [so] that I cannot see him?’ says the LORD. ‘Do I not fill heaven and earth?’ says the LORD.” This verse serves as a reminder that God is always there, waiting to heal those tender spaces in us.
When you have areas in your life that are marred by sin, shame, silent struggles or suffering, know that you don’t have to ignore them, push them aside or sweep them out of sight. God is right there with you, willing to help with and hold what you’d rather leave hidden.
My friend, God knows exactly what you’re going through.
The tantrum your child had that left you flustered in the middle of the store.
The terrible news you never saw coming.
The terrifying experience that left you paralyzed by fear and indecision.
The tragedy you simply don’t know how to heal and recover from.
He’s aware of the impact these situations have had on you and is waiting for you to welcome Him into those spaces so you can receive the care and cleaning you’re in need of.
I want to remind you that you don’t have to sit in and stare at the messes, accidental or otherwise, that have seeped into the crevices of your life. You can take every aspect of who you are straight to God Himself and allow Him to clean your wounds, your worries and whatever is there that you can’t even see.
As the Master Craftsman of your entire being, He’s not only aware of what’s bothering you — He knows what you don’t even bother to deal with or pay attention to. He sees all, fills all of heaven and earth, and desires to help you in all that you’re experiencing. When you give God your hidden spaces, He will restore your peace, provide you comfort and infuse your life with so much joy.
Dear God, thank You for being near, for dwelling with us and caring for all of who we are. You know the spaces in our lives that are in need of attention, and we invite You into them to refresh us through and through. Thank You for changing our lives for Your glory, time and time again. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
