Traveling Heart

Unsettled

Do you ever feel unsettled by the busyness of life? Are you on a never-ending trip moving from one destination to another without deplaning?
I often feel overwhelmed by the chaos that builds in my home and my mind from this endless voyage called life.

This past week I cleaned my closet. That might not seem like a big deal to some, but this was a big deal for those who know me. Not my favorite thing to do! My closet is long, with my husband’s stuff to the left and mine to the right. As I maneuvered to the right-hand side of the closet, I almost tripped on my luggage. Four pieces of luggage, to be exact (I know. Don’t judge!). I pulled them out and opened them to ensure nothing was in them. You see, I do love to travel, but I am lazy upon return and keep telling myself, “I’ll unpack tomorrow.” Well, I spoke those words two trips ago! (Remember, no judging!)

Settling In

As I unpacked the few things left in a couple of the suitcases, I realized I could have used a cute pair of jeans I found and those adorable shoes! Ughhh, what was I thinking?! Likewise, there were some items that I wanted to ignore, like the pants I’d outgrown and the outdated blouse that matched them. Regardless of what I found, I recognized the feeling of freedom as I put each item in one pile or the other: Keep or Donate. A sense of contentment washed over me as I unpacked the baggage and neatly organized each drawer and shelf. Finally, I was satisfied with my surroundings and was able to experience true rest and renewal as I completed this task. I had cleared the clutter, my shoulders relaxed, and feelings of chaos and uneasiness vanished.

I was settled.

Finding Peace

Once I finally felt settled, a sense of peace washed over me. It seems odd that a clean closet could bring peace. But I realized that it was the lack of chaos in that closet brought peace. There are other areas of my life that are cluttered, and I need to declutter them. You see, I have a traveling heart that focuses on this and that, finding it hard to settle on what’s most important.

This made me consider the true peace that can only come from God. God is a God of order. His order is the only thing that leads to true peace. You know, that peace that transcends all understanding.

And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7, NASB)

The peace Paul talks about in this passage, that complete calm, quieting of the spirit, allows us to accomplish what the next verse commands us to do:

Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things (Philippians 4:8, NASB).

Consider areas where purged chaos would lead your focus to God and His Word for clarity and healing: spiritual healing, physical healing, and emotional healing: Total Peace!

Unpack Your Bags

It is time to unpack your bags!

Think about some of the items you need to unpack that will lead to complete rest in God’s ultimate peace. It is only with His help that we can do that.

Unless the LORD had been my help,
My soul would soon have settled in silence.
If I say, “My foot slips,”
Your mercy, O LORD, will hold me up (Psalm 94:17-18, NKJV)

I encourage you to spend some time creating habits that help prepare an open heart to receive what God has to share with you through His Word. I like to start with prayer, then read the Word, and finish with worship music as I prepare for the day.

Soul Delight

Journal what He reveals to you or write it in the Notes app on your phone or computer. Share with friends and family. Whatever works for you.

In the multitude of my anxieties within me,
Your comforts delight my soul (Psalm 94:19, NKJV).