Merriam Webster defines “hoard” as, “a large amount of something valuable that is kept hidden.” Might I add, “something perceived to be valuable…” When we hear the term hoard, images of junky houses, offices or garages are conjured up in our minds. If we’ve seen the cable TV show, “Hoarders,” we may think of lonely old women or men who are mentally ill and or eccentric.
Have you ever considered that we can be spiritual hoarders? We become spiritual hoarders when we “store up junk” - past hurts, anger, bitterness, injustices, etc., and perceive it to be too valuable to release. The perceived value comes from our notion that if we let it go, we somehow exonerate perpetrators of our pain from getting “what’s coming to them.”
As Christians, it is all too easy to hide this spirit of hoarding emotions from others while visiting the proverbial junky room regularly. Letting go is easier said than done. Deep wounds are not necessarily healed by time. Letting go requires the healing balm of God’s Holy Spirit. It requires a decision to release our pain to God and trusting Him to “settle the account.” It requires understanding that spiritual hoarding keeps us locked up in a dirty, smelly, cluttered psychological environment that threatens our spiritual, emotional, psychological and even physical health. The value of the “junk” is only perceived. It is not valuable. It is toxic.
If you are struggling with spiritual hoarding (at times, we all do!), ask the Lord for the strength and the faith to throw out the garbage so that we can make room for the beautiful.
Post a comment or send me an email at Shepastor1@hotmail.com
Until next Wednesday,
In Faith, Hope and Perseverance,
Pastor Chris
No comments:
Post a Comment