This morning I cleaned out my closet. To you, this information may seem insignificant and pointless to share; however, for me, it is monumental. Over the past few weeks, or even months, there have been numerous changes and transitions occur in my life. I started working on my master’s degree, opened a business, hired an employee, changing grade levels and content that I teach, all while being a wife, mother, friend, and every other role. During these past few weeks, I began to struggle. I began to feel overwhelmed as if I was stranded on an island in the middle of now where. Doubt began to cripple me. Fear began to consume me. Pride began to guide me. I shifted my focus from God to all the task that needed to be completed. Also, to all the people I needed to please and make happy. While all of this was happening, I worked on a 20-page research paper about depression and anxiety. I was depressed and anxious!!!

When I say I cleaned my closet, I cleaned my closet. My closet is also my war room. It is the space in my house where I spend my most intimate time with God. During my weeks of soaking in misery, by choice, my desk was covered in clothing that needed to be hung, and so was the chair. My bulletin board fell, and I could never manage the time to hang it back correctly. The floor needed to be swept. The trash needed to be taken out, and things needed organizing.  

After weeks of feeling the weight and burden of not putting God first, I am ecstatic that my closet is clean. I am also grateful to God for the lessons he has taught me. During these past few weeks. 

1. We are never alone in the struggle. When I found myself wanting to complain about my situation, someone would share with me their life, not knowing what I was going through, which made me realize that I was not the only one or even fortunate. God also would send someone to pray with me and for me or give me the words of encouragement I needed.
2. Spiritual health and growth must involve a careful, disciplined, and thorough investigation of God’s Word.
3. Just because we follow God, this does not mean we are free from our BUT (but I can’t have children, but my marriage, but my job, etc.)
4. What seems like a chance in our lives is God guiding the events of history. 
5. Sometimes the answers to our prayers can cause us to be gripped with fear.
6. When God’s work is so great in our lives, we can begin to question are we sure this is what God is doing or will do. 

Today, I pray that if you feel as if you are struggling, know that you are not alone. Clean out your closet. Move or get rid of the many things keeping you from getting in the presence of God. Pray with me and for me as I do the same for you.