Overcome Your Overwhelm – Clutter

The thing about more is that “more” is never enough. We never arrive. We are never satisfied. And we never find the security and simplicity we are longing for within that pursuit. 

Last week we began looking at overwhelm triggers, the enemies of simplicity, that creep into our lives and wreak havoc. Today, we are looking at Overwhelm Trigger #2: Clutter – I need more. The majority of us have a mistaken idea that the more we have, the happier we will be. Or the safer we will be. If we have enough money in the bank, have more modern conveniences, or more fill in the blank…

I am the process of reading an insightful book by Richard Swenson, M.D. called Margin – Restoring Emotional, Physical, Financial, and Time Reserves to Overloaded Lives. He looks at this mistaken idea that progress will fulfill us. 

Not only will “more” not satisfy us, often “more” is the very thing that is increasing our stress and anxiety. When we look to things to fulfill us, we will most likely find ourselves empty, confused, overwhelmed, broken, and frustrated. 

Dr. Swenson observes, “as progress arrives, margin dissipates. Progress devours margin, and we yearn to have it back.” By having the latest and greatest, we fill our lives so full that we have no room to think, to adjust, to enjoy, or to create. Swenson challenges us to reclaim margin in our lives. “Margin grants freedom and permits rest. It nourishes both relationship and service. Spiritually, it allows availability for the purposes of God.”

In this season, when our world is facing a crisis, I am reminded that simplicity comes through the presence of Jesus. I will never find peace in money or things. Or, for that matter, my health. As my pastor reminded our church this week, peace is not the absence of conflict but rather an internal state based on our faith in God. 

Are you longing for a simpler life? For rest? For peace?

Look to God. 

Jesus recognized the human tendency to look to physical possession for security. Luke 12 records a well-known teaching, where Jesus challenges us, “do not worry about your life, as to what you will eat; nor your body, as to what you will put on. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing.” (Luke 12:22-23 NASB) 

Jesus points us to the birds who don’t store up food but instead are fed by God’s provision. He reminds us of the flowers that grow without any work on their own. And He calls out our anxiety, telling us that no matter how much we worry, that worry can’t add time to our lives or change our circumstances. 

Instead, Jesus invites us to put our attention on God with these comforting words, “Seek His kingdom, and these things will be added to you. Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:31-32)

What does it look like for you to remove the clutter from your life and turn to Jesus? Maybe you need to clean out a closet or get rid of an overabundance of things. Perhaps you need to let go of an activity or practice you are holding on to, re-prioritize your time and put Jesus first, or commit your worry and anxiety to your heavenly Father. 

“Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.” (Psalm 55:22)