Life’s Inventory

Psalm 51:10 (NIV)"Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me."

Last year, our family moved into a brand-new home. It was a downgrade in size, but an upgrade in heart. Our previous house, bought sight unseen when we moved to Texas, was where we raised four daughters and a bulldog. Now, life looks different—two daughters, two bulldogs, and less space. We didn’t need the extra room anymore, just a cozy place to call home.

The move brought a beautiful opportunity to purge. We sorted through years of “stuff,” asking what was truly a memento and what was just clutter. We decided what was worth keeping and created an inventory of what mattered.

Not long ago, while praying, God placed something on my heart: I hadn’t taken inventory of my life. What am I holding on to simply for the sake of holding on? What do I need to let go of, and what needs to be replenished in my soul?

So, I sat down with a piece of paper. I listed what I needed to purge, what I should hold on to, and what my spirit desperately needed more of.

Here’s what stood out:

• Unforgiveness? Gone. Through it out!

• Shame? Out.

• The fire in my heart? It stays.

• Love, compassion, and patience? Replenish abundantly.

It was eye-opening and freeing. This exercise reminded me that just like a home, our hearts and spirits need regular decluttering and restocking. 

My Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for being the keeper of my heart and the restorer of my soul. You know every part of me—the beautiful, the broken, the things I hold onto, and the things I’m afraid to let go of.

Today, I ask for Your guidance as I take inventory of my life. Help me to see clearly what no longer serves Your purpose in me. Reveal the unforgiveness, shame, fear, and doubt that weigh me down. Give me the courage to release these burdens into Your hands, knowing You are faithful to carry them.

Lord, I pray for Your wisdom to know what to hold onto—the fire You’ve placed in my heart, the love that reflects Your character, and the hope that anchors my soul. Replenish me, Father, with Your peace, patience, and compassion, so I may walk in step with Your will.

Create space in my life for Your greater purpose. Fill me with more of You—Your grace, mercy, and truth. May my heart be a dwelling place that glorifies You, uncluttered and open to Your leading.

Thank You for Your love, which is always enough and always available. I trust You to shape my life and my heart into something that honors You.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.