Though many people start thinking about new beginnings at the first of the year and moving forward with resolutions and goals, I think that for some of us, spring has traditionally been the time for that kind of reset. As the days start to get longer and warmer, and everything seems to feel a little more hopeful, I begin thinking about spring cleaning and clearing out the clutter. I get excited about putting the winter days behind me by planting a garden and watching new life appear, and by sprucing up the house for brighter days.

As we begin looking at how to create a fresh start for the spring, I think it’s also a good idea to take a look at getting rid of our ‘mind clutter’. The physical purging of unwanted items can be a good opportunity to consider what we need to get rid of spiritually. Even if we make resolutions at the beginning of the year to move past the hurts that are holding us back, our thoughts have a way of making a mess of those plans over and over again.

Housekeeping of the mind is no small task. We are instructed to ‘take every thought captive’ (2 Corinthians 10:5) and make it obedient to Christ, but how hard is that to put into practice when our thoughts can feel as overwhelming as the dishes and laundry?

When I think back on my life, I remember so many times when struggles and circumstances left me feeling as though the battle in my mind was greater than any of the physical challenges. Relationships bring doubt, child-rearing creates worry, finances induce stress, grief leaves us depleted – it’s no wonder our thoughts and emotions threaten to take over.

And yet, there is hope. Faith and joy can be victorious if we replace those harmful thoughts with the right thoughts. Too often we allow the doubts and lies to creep in, settling in the crevices of our minds like cobwebs. It’s time to sweep them out and redecorate. 

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8 NIV) [bold added for emphasis]

True – You are infinitely valued by the Creator of the Universe, and He will never leave or forsake you. Mistakes don’t make you a failure – they provide opportunity for your growth.

Noble – No matter how you’ve been treated, you can choose to live with integrity. God sees you and fights for you in the face of injustice.

Right – You are His child, and no one can take you out of His hand. What others think of you makes no difference when you make decisions with courage and conviction.

Pure – Compromise never leads to happiness. The sacrifices you’re making to live justly and righteously benefit you and those you love.

Lovely – Beauty is found in ordinary moments. Your story is not designed to look like anyone else’s but rather to be a unique blessing, impacting the world in ways that only you can.

Admirable – It’s easy to get weighed down by all the suffering and hardship around us, but you can look around and see how your story can bring healing and restoration to others.

Excellent/Praiseworthy – You are His workmanship, being refined throughout all your trials, and He will not leave you broken.

We are always weaving a narrative internally, so it’s imperative that the story we’re telling ourselves is true and righteous and life-giving. I’m committed to letting go of pursuing the pain and dwelling on the past in favor of meditating on that which energizes my soul and rejuvenates my spirit. Just as I desire a comfortable, cozy home that’s free of clutter, my mind must be a space where clarity and wisdom can prevail.

Let’s take those thoughts captive so we ourselves can be free.