Today I want to address emotional clutter that blocks clear thinking. One definition for a sound mind in 2 Timothy 1:7 is disciplined thought patterns.

Clutter is lack of discipline. Period. I know. My art table is a hollow core door on legs. It is cluttered. I have things I’m working on that I need ready access to. There are other things that I could put away, but where?

Clutter is a lack of organization. If things were organized in my storage closet I would have room to put things out of sight until needed. Does this sound familiar to you?

The emotional pain that we stuff in our unconscious, feeds into every thought process. It is there waiting for expression. It was not made to hide but to be released. It clutters our mind and keeps us from being able to bring every thought captive before the Lord.

Psalm 62:8 says, “Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.”

Hannah understood this. She was full of emotional pain. When she released it to the Lord, He gifted her a son. Samuel influenced his world around him. 1 Samuel 3:19 says that the Lord did not let any of his words fall to the ground.

What fruit is being blocked under the big clods of your stuffed emotional pain? God’s purpose for your life may have to take a circular route while He trains you through your trials. Exodus 13:17 says, “…God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, Lest perhaps the people change their minds when they see war, and return to Egypt.”