Clean Hands + Clean Heart

CLEAN HANDS - the practice on everyone's mind right now. With a global pandemic going on it is no wonder that shelves once lined with hand sanitizer and Lysol wipes are stripped bare. What are we doing to foster cleanliness in our hearts though? Psalm 24:4-5 says,

"He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully. He will receive blessing from the Lord and righteousness from the God of his salvation."

How are we using this time we have been given that may be creating an impure heart within ourselves? Are we engaging in activities that make us want to hide in shame or lock our bedroom doors? Are we walking in unforgiveness or bitterness towards people we know? Are we complaining and stirring up strife among those we are sheltered with? Or are we sitting and pointing our finger at God for all of this?

I will admit I have spent some of this time arguing with my husband over little stresses that are not worth our attention. I have also found myself checked out in front of the television because some days that is just easier than dealing with life. The most meaningful are the days that I have been on my face, crying my heart out before God. Quieting all the noise and clutter and allowing Him to speak to me, giving Him room to look into my heart to clean up all the junk. These times have been so undeniably clear and pivotal for the direction of my life. I see He is just yearning for us to look at Him right now.

Let me ask you a question, how often have you said to yourself, "I need to read my bible more but it seems too difficult to make the time."? Well, let me tell you, YOU HAVE THE TIME! So I urge you, please use it! Do not come out of this period regretting, wishing you had used this opportunity to make better of yourself, your heart, and your relationship with God.

Here are a few, simple things I have been doing to posture myself to allow God to speak to my heart.

1. I set time limits on the apps on my phone. Apple has a cool, new feature where they allow you to set limits for yourself, per day for each app you use. I don't know about you, but my "black hole" apps are Instagram, Facebook, and a couple of games I alternate. These are apps where it is very easy for me to get sucked in (hence the black hole), mindlessly engaging. Though, yes, I can choose to ignore the notification, it serves as a reminder for me to not lose valuable hours of my day. This encourages me to be more intentional with the time that I am given, and the people I am with, choosing more life-giving and sustaining activities that benefit me long term.

2. I created a special place in my home that feels like me. I have a couple spots I like to sit to get quiet, but my favorite, in particular, is my desk, where I am surrounded by the things that I love. Creating a safe and comfortable environment for myself is a good way to shut out the noise and be intentional and focused on what I am trying to accomplish with God. If I feel safe, it tells my heart it is okay, to be honest.

3. I actively speak with God. Sometimes it can be difficult to hear God with all the things distracting me both externally and internally. I start this dialogue by pouring my heart out, whether by doing so vocally or by writing in my journal. Expressing my concerns and desires helps to get them out of the way, creating a clean space to receive what He has to say to me. Some days I may not hear or feel anything impressed upon my heart, but I have found when I practice this, my ear becomes attuned to His voice.

I feel the need to write this because I have been on both sides. I have been the person doing things I know I should not, and have felt the shame associated. I have also been the person (by God's grace) who has experienced a renewal and cleansing of my heart. At the end of the day, my greatest desire is to sustain purity in all aspects of my life. I understand the importance of a clean heart that is inclined towards God. He has so much to say to me and it is His plan for me to have a pure heart and mind. As much as it is His plan, it is also my responsibility to pursue these things and sustain them in my life, always.

Until next time,

Hanna Norton