When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, but finds none. Then it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when it comes, it finds the house empty, swept, and put in order. Matthew 12:43-44
My pastor discussed this passage in a women’s Bible study. Jesus is teaching a valuable lesson here. Say our lives , our souls, are a house- this is a common theme in the New Testament. Jesus stands at the door of our hearts and knocks. It is the place the Holy Spirit can come to dwell. It can also be a place of chaos, confusion and junk.
We can fill our lives with clutter of this world so easily. Our soul, comprised of our heart, mind and spirit, can easily become a storehouse of old hurt feelings, negative thoughts about ourselves, bad memories, grudges and unforgiveness. God’s Spirit cannot dwell in the midst of all of that . Time for some Spring cleaning. Get the house in order. Take out the trash.
However, if we just clean the house and sweep out all the gunk and not invite God in, the house is empty. And that is when trouble will come. Something must occupy this house called our lives. An empty house is ripe for anyone to make it their home.
I watched a swallow labor earnestly to built it’s mud nest for a potential mate under the eave of our front porch. Scallop after scallop of silt and twigs slowly built a cupped shelter. Then he flew off to find his partner, leaving it empty. Within minutes, an enterprising Finch nestled in and laid her eggs.
We can be that way. Throw off one bad habit, and another can grab hold to replace it. Do not give temptation or evil a chance to settle in. When you release junk from your soul, be sure to fill the space back up with God’s Word. Pray and ask Him to fill that void with one of His Truths to be your alarm, your protection and your shield. Invite Him in and keep evil out.
My dwelling place will be with them; I will be their God, and they will be my people. Eziekel 37:27
