Have I made room for Jesus lately?

~ Lisa Brittain

Even though the Christmas carols have been put away for another 11 months, I’m asking Holy Spirit to bring these words back to mind often throughout 2018.  I pray the tune will play softly in the background of my everyday thoughts.  Please, Lord, as I tend to let my mind and my heart get cluttered with useless and non-productive stuff, place a spiritual trash bag in my hands.  I want to be obedient this year to live clutter-free physically and spiritually.Have I made room

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”  Romans 12:2, NIV

On the radio, an old familiar Christmas carol plays softly as background music.  Passing through the room, my mind swirls with thoughts of all I need to accomplish today.  Suddenly, I tune in to these words from Joy to the World.

Joy to the World, the Lord is come!  Let earth receive her King; Let every heart prepare Him room…

I had just read those words: “While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son.  She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn.”  Luke 2:6-7, NIV

I have to stop now and ask myself, “Have I made room for Him in my own life?”  I have received Him.  He sought me out and proved His love for me first.  Then I received Him, His love and His gift of belonging to His family.

But, have I made room for Him lately?Romans 12.2

A couple of weeks ago my husband and I received a surprise request.  A friend of a friend called to ask if he and his family might rent our basement apartment while they look for a house to buy.  We were thrilled to be asked.  We’re delighted to give what little space we have, but would it be enough for their precious family of five?

Immediately, my husband and I jumped into action to clean out all the stuff of our own lives we’ve accumulated in that space.  Years of stuff stored in the closets.  Things our sons left behind when they went to college, old books, and ski gear from that one trip out west.  All stuff we thought we might need again sometime, which we haven’t.  And now it needed to be pulled out and sorted, thrown away and given away because we were making room for a family to come to live with us.

We’re so grateful for this opportunity to make room.  This precious family has given us a fresh awareness of our need to clean out the old stuff of our hearts as well. We need, daily, to make room for our King.  Let us receive Him.  Let us prepare Him room.  Heaven and nature sing.  And let us sing of the wonders of His love.

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I have the honor and privilege of writing weekly devotionals for Daughter of Delight on Instagram.  This post with some slight variation was first posted as an original devotional for Daughter of Delight on Instagram – 12/30/2017.

I invite you to please take a moment to visit @daughterofdelight on Instagram.  I feel certain you’ll be encouraged and refreshed!

 

Published by Lisa Brittain

I am an avid follower of Jesus. I have been since my early twenties when I met Him personally and received dramatic healing in my body and mind. After many years of marriage and raising sons into the teen years, I was challenged to explore the duplicity of my spoken faith followed up by fearful actions. I received the challenge presented by both of my sons. They love me and so they dared to confront me with the truth. Chips off my proverbial block! I determined then {more than a decade ago} to overcome fear with faith that was more than words. In my late 40's I made a decision to leave the desert wandering behind and set out to pursue the abundant life Jesus promised His disciples. I am a tentmaker {actually a reupholsterer} by day, which helps to support the call God has on my life to serve Him in my community. I thoroughly enjoy my work. Repairing and restoring throw-away furniture is a fulfilling creative outlet. More so, my Cheer House Repair and Restore business opens the door for me to interact with my community. My passion is to walk so closely to Jesus that others want to know Him too. I love to introduce women to Him as we walk, talk, and work together hand in hand through everyday life. Nothing thrills me more than to watch someone fall so in love with Jesus through His word and conversation; learning to trust His heart and receive His great love! I have been married to my dear man for over 30 rollercoaster years. We're simply thrilled that our latter days are more joyful and purposeful than our first. Together we have two - grown young men on their own journeys. Additionally, we share our home with 3 lively rescue pups. I look forward to having you join me on this journey of faith... Bold feet, humble heart Psalm 131 ~ Lisa

3 thoughts on “Have I made room for Jesus lately?”

  1. Oh yes. I too need to make room in so many ways. It’s wonderful you are providing a home for them. May God bless your time together too.

    I’ve realized my making room is in my mind. When we get back from our holiday I plan to get stuck into memorizing Scripture and running 4 times a week (best undistracted prayer time) – I know these two things will help me return and rest in God’s presence, rather than stress, fret and worry and eat away my emotions. And that will then help me be a more happy and patient wife and Mama 😅. Thanks for this encouragement to clear out and make room.

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