“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them, rust destroys them, and thieves steal them. Make God himself, life in his presence, and the currency of heaven your treasure. For wherever, whoever, whatever your treasure is, that defines the desires of your heart and the direction of your life.” Paraphrase of Matthew 6:19-21
Lord Jesus, a little work in my attic, garage, closet, and drawers has made this passage more than relevant again. Where did all of this stuff come from? Clutter is like zucchini, kudzu, and crabgrass. It multiplies without fertilizer or rain. Once a “treasure,” now most of these things are a bother.
Jesus, what concerns me far more than my attic and garage, are my mind and heart. The older I get, the less storage space there is, and I don’t want to finish my journey Home with a distracted mind, busy spirit, and cluttered heart. So, Lord, help me de-clutter and re-center on you. I want to live more like Mary in a Martha world (Luke 10:38-42)—more like Asaph (Psalm 73) for whom you became his chief delight and definition of heaven. In a world of multiple distractions, fools’ gold, and temporal pleasures—I want to finish my days with one great consuming affection—having and keeping you as my supreme, uncontested, most heart-enthralling and satisfying treasure.
We love you because you first loved us, and we’ll treasure you to the extent we really believe you treasure us as your beloved Bride and eternal inheritance. So, by the Holy Spirit, once again, rearrange the price tags in my heart, Jesus. Once again, let my uncluttered spirit and re-centered heart say, “I consider all things rubbish compared to the surpassing excellency of knowing Jesus” (Phil.3:7-10). So Very Amen.
