Dealing with the stuff

With these days of prep for the yard sale, I’ve been stretched.

Something I struggle with is holding on to things.

Even as a child, I struggled with this.

As long as I can remember, I’ve struggled with this “stuff”.

God has been so gracious and patient with me.

He has taken me through times of extreme need.

He has walked me through downsizing, multiple times.

He has proven in miraculous ways.

He has taught me that things are never going to fix anything.

Currently, we are in a new season.

Last fall my husband started a small furniture business.

But with the furniture came other things as well.

Used items which were still in good condition.

We donated a bunch straight off, but some other things needed to be sorted out.

That took a while.

Now, with the good weather, we are selling all kinds of stuff.

And this new season of things is a little baffling to me.

Because God hasn’t had me follow my past ways of handling things.

This requires a lot of time, prayer, and patience.

Instead, I’m learning a new way to deal with stuff.

And it’s brought me back to realizing two things:

1st my flesh is greedy and I need to be on my guard against this.

2nd God can use anything or many things to teach me to cling to Him and nothing else.

Deuteronomy 6:5 KJV — And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.

Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for this command. Thank You that You are giving us the gift of life, contentment, peace, and true joy in these words. When I focus upon You and Your truth with every part of me, I find all I need and all I want. Lord, it is when I leave off following You with a whole heart that I get into trouble and become confused or depressed or discouraged. Lord, thank You for telling us how to live, that we might not pierce ourselves through with many sorrows. Lord Jesus, following You is not easy, it goes against my flesh, against the culture, and against the enemy, but great is Your faithfulness! I know You chose that which was difficult, to be our Savior. Please help me to choose it as well, each day, to walk in Your ways and to love You with all of me. Thank You for Your faithfulness, truth, protection, wisdom, understanding, justice, goodness, righteousness, and salvation. I could continue speaking Your praises day and night and never come to the end! I praise Your holy name, Jesus. Amen.