God of Comfort: Being Anchored in Christ When We are Suffering
Hurricane Helene: devastates Western Carolina and Tennessee with hundred dead and even more missing. Entire cities wiped clean. People now homeless and desperate for supplies.
Shipping Union Strike: For the first time in over 50 years, the shipping union is on strike due to unfair wages. Supplies along the eastern seaboard to be at an all time low as strike continues.
In the last 7 days, there has been a valley of immense struggle, loss, and devastation around us. As we look to the days ahead, there are a lot of unknowns for many Americans. It is in times like these that it is so easy to ask “Why do you allow this God?” “What did we do to deserve this level of struggle?”
The concept of why? Is one that is explored frequently in the bible. The book of Job gives us the closest “answer”. Suffering is part of our experience. Instead of asking what we did wrong to deserve something, or blaming God for suffering, we are called to see God show up on the journey of suffering with us and deliver us on the other side. Christ is our redeemer whose ultimate position is to extend us grace and mercy. Through deliverance of all affliction, we can find the comfort of being anchored in Christ. Suffering may be a part of His plan but until it is well, it is not over. God has a plan to prosper us and not harm us, plans to give us hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). This is the ultimate gift of eternal life.
Being anchored in Christ merely means that we are trusting in Him. We are allowing His presence to calm our hearts in the chaos around us. And boy have we been in chaos. When we are able to see past the suffering that feels like it has been afflicted upon us, we are able to root ourselves deeply in the knowledge of the comfort of the Lord. It is then that we can take that comfort and comfort others through His eternal, extending love.
2 Corinthians 1:3 says “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort.”
Paul tells us that all comfort amongst struggle comes from God himself. He goes on to say in verse 4 “He comforts us in all our afflictions, so that we are able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction.” Jesus experienced the ultimate suffering for all of us, alone on the cross. He did this so that God’s comfort could be ours for eternity to have and to share.
The headlines of chaos are swarming (and with the election looming its bound to expand). In this time, remember that our hearts anchored in Christ allows us to feel peace and provide for others. If you are currently walking in a season of suffering, afflicted by the chaotic world, remember that He remains. He is your “perfect peace that leads to a steadfast heart” (Isaiah 26:3). If you are currently adjacent to the suffering of our country, inflicted by the sadness and devastation that has occurred to those around you, remember that you are called. Through ministry we can provide others abundant comfort (in means that you are able) and love.
If you are looking for ways to provide comfort to those experiencing suffering from Hurricane Helene please click here.
If you or someone you know is struggling with the impacts of Hurricane Helene or any other season of suffering, turn to Anchored Hope Counseling in Kannapolis, NC. Anchored Hope Counseling provides a wide range of therapy services from couples counseling to personal one-on-one sessions. View a list of our offerings online, or schedule a consultation today. If you liked these tips remember to subscribe to our weekly blog for more news and insights.
TikTok Said I Have Anxiety
The Plague of TikTok Diagnosis on Mental Health
“Welcome to counseling. I can’t wait to get to know you and walk this journey of healing with you!”
“Don’t worry. Tiktok has already told me that I have OCD and likely a personality disorder, so really I just need you to tell me how to fix that.”
TikTok diagnosis. The newest craze and epidemic plaguing teens and young adults nationwide. As TikTok has grown, so too has the niche of psychTok – channels that provide “mental health” diagnoses. Many of these channels claim expertise in the field of psychology or therapy. They list out symptomatology of mental health disorders that are vague enough that vulnerable populations can connect to them. On the surface this cam seem like a helpful tool. In reality it is causing a large subset of our population to believe that they are experiencing serious mental health concerns. In turn they then take those labels on as their identities.
Since COVID, the usage of social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have risen by 180% amongst 18-25 years olds. In addition, this demographic is also experiencing a large uptick in feelings of isolation and anxiety. Pair this with increasing awareness on the importance of mental health and you have a recipe for the perfect influential target. Social media “influencers” are praying on these individuals by providing them a relief from their loneliness. This comes as a titled diagnosis and a perceived connection to others – the idea that they are “not alone”.
In practice, the idea of bringing connectedness and relief to clients is part of the long term goal of all therapists. However, TikTok diagnosing is taking away a key component – human variation and perspective. When clients come to my office and tell me that TikTok diagnosed them with xyz, the first thing I do is ask them what about that diagnosis they connected with. Most teens and young adults have connections to 2-3 defining components of a disorder. However, they don’t actually “qualify” for a diagnosis. Furthermore, the things that TikTok is taking away is the fact that we are all living a unique human experience. Resources like the DSM-V provide educated and licensed professionals a guideline to help clients work through their own experiences and the behavior that derived from the cognitive impacts of such. Key word: guideline.
While I would love to see this trend disappear completely, the reality of our ever growing virtual world is that this problem isn’t going anywhere. Therefore, it is more important than ever that we become increasingly aware of the limitations on these platforms. Understanding that TikTok and other social media cannot stand in for the highly trained service that therapists provide. Becoming aware of the subliminal, subconscious, and blatant attempts to influence and change the perspective of the vulnerable. Working to use caution when engaging with content. And ultimately, recognizing that no virtual, highly influenced experience can truly stand in for human experience, connection, and knowledge.
If you or someone you know is struggling with the impacts of social media on mental health or inclined to TikTok diagnosing, turn to Anchored Hope Counseling in Kannapolis, NC. Anchored Hope Counseling provides a wide range of therapy services from couples counseling to personal one-on-one sessions. View a list of our offerings online, or schedule a consultation today. If you liked these tips remember to subscribe to our weekly blog for more news and insights.
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Exiting News! We’re Moving!
New Location starting in August!
To our valued clients and friends,
In 2023, with the birth of my daughter, there were many changes to Anchored Hope Counseling. For some time, Anchored Hope moved to a virtual only practice. In June 2023, Brooke Buttler started working at Anchored Hope. In January 2024, Meghan Ray Mangione also joined our team; meeting with clients in person in the 226 Oak Ave office. Through these changes, Anchored Hope Counseling has been continuously blessed with new clients and friends. With this growth, we have outgrown our current space, and we are changing again.
On August 12th, we will be moving to a new location, just a few minutes from our current office in downtown Kannapolis. We will be located in a beautifully renovated mill house with lots of space to grow, a comfortable waiting room, private parking, and no stairs! This mill house is extra special to me because my husband and I completely remodeled it ourselves (you can check out a before picture and learn a little about our journey in this previous blog). We are so excited and hope you will love our new space as much as we do. We believe it will be a great place for healing and hope.
Our new location will be 227 S East Ave, Kannapolis. We will be providing more information in the days to come and sending all clients new office policies forms. If you are meeting in person for your sessions, you will also receive new instructions for your session. You can always reach out to your therapist via email or text if you have any questions.
We are excited about the new changes and growth with Anchored Hope Counseling and are so grateful to share this with you. Thank you all for your support over the years. We appreciate you all so much!
Blessings,
Stevi Reed, LCMHC, QS, NCC
Owner of Anchored Hope Counseling
If you are ready to start your journey to hope and healing with us in our new location, reach out to Anchored Hope Counseling in Kannapolis, NC today. Anchored Hope Counseling provides a wide range of therapy services from couples counseling to personal one-on-one sessions. View a list of our offerings online, or schedule a consultation today. Also, remember to subscribe to our weekly blog for more news and insights.
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Holistic Wellness for Better Mental Health
Incorporating the 6 Dimensions of Wellness into your Mental Health Healing
Counseling is so pivotal to the mental health journey. However, it is not the only thing to consider as we take a 360 look at improving our lives. In recent years, research has narrowed wellness down into 6 distinct categories: emotional, social, physical, occupational/financial, intellectual, and spiritual. Whether you are in the thick of your healing, or just now starting, looking deeper into how each of the 6 dimensions can be improved in your life is essential. Below, we define each of the dimensions as well as provide tangible suggestions on how to take action in incorporating them into your therapeutic endeavor.
Emotional
Emotional wellness is defined by the ability to experience positive feelings and adapt to stressful and hard times with resiliency and grace. This dimension of wellness allows us to be more grateful, content, compassionate, and empathetic to those around us. When hard times arise, people with strong emotional wellness are able to have perspective and address concerns head on. If this is an area of growth for you, some suggestions for improvement include:
- Practice mindfulness – use an app such as Headspace
- Process your emotions through individual reflection (try this journal) or with a trained professional (like a counselor at Anchored Hope Counseling).
- Engage in more gratitude – share with others when you are thankful for them and how they are positively impacting your daily life.
Social
Social wellness is defined by the ability to engage in healthy relationships that are able to be maintained long term, provide connection and belonging, and are supportive. This dimension of wellness allows us to feel less alone and more engaged with the people around us. When hard times arise, people with strong social wellness have people to lean on for understanding and support. If this is an area of growth for you, some suggestions for improvement include:
- Take up a hobby to meet new people
- Get involved with a community organization or through a church
- Prioritize your current relationships by allowing time and access while deepening through intimate interactions
Physical
Physical wellness is defined by the ability to recognize the need to take care of your physical body through sleep, nutrition, and exercise. This dimension of wellness allows us to create and maintain strong bodies that are capable of withstanding time and stress. When hard times arise, people with strong physical wellness are able to keep themselves free of ailment and disease or bounce back from ailment quickly. If this is an area of growth for you, some suggestions for improvement include:
- Find a type of exercise you enjoy
- Eat a more balanced and intuitive diet. Consider listening to a podcast such as Freely Rooted to get new perspectives on holistic and clean eating.
- Be mindful of what you are putting in and on your body. So many products are processed and made with tons of chemicals that can cause so many long term effects
- Take supplements that are natural and boost your body’s ability to do what it was made to do
Occupational/Financial
Occupational/Financial wellness has classically been lumped together as one dimension. They are defined by the ability to create a healthy work life balance that promotes personal satisfaction and financial reward/stability. This dimension of wellness allows us to be more intentional about how we are contributing to society through our work, while maintaining a healthy home life, and making smart and stable monetary choices. When hard times arise, people with strong occupational/financial wellness are able to recognize when a change in work needs to occur, when money needs to be better managed, and are financially prepared to sustain a loss or change of occupation. If this is an area of growth for you, some suggestions for improvement include:
- Create a budget that allows for saving. A good app is Monarch Money
- Be mindful of work and home life boundaries – agree to leaving home at home and work at work
- Engage in more mindful learning about investing and long term planning – consider the podcast Faith Driven Investor
Intellectual
Intellectual wellness is defined by the interest and engagement in intellectual curiosity, creativity, and growth. This dimension of wellness allows us to be lifelong learners that are dedicated to engaging in the content that interests us and sharing it as appropriate. When hard times arise, people with strong intellectual wellness are able to have perspective and share research based information that allows them to develop their opinions and thought patterns. If this is an area of growth for you, some suggestions for improvement include:
- Read – find a topic that interests you and engage through books. If you aren’t sure where to start, websites like Goodreads have lists of books in over 1,000 categories with ratings and reviews
- When you hear information or opinions of others, do your own research before jumping to conclusions or believing it as truth
- Learn a new skill that you have been wanting to learn – bonus if you can turn it into a side hustle
Spiritual
Spiritual wellness is defined by having a purpose or sense of meaning in life that is defined by your morals, values, and ethics. For many people, spiritual wellness has a religious component, but it does not have to. This dimension of wellness allows us to be more grounded in what we believe and make sure our actions align with our beliefs. When hard times arise, people with strong spiritual wellness are able to lean on their faith and understanding of their perspective of the world. If this is an area of growth for you, some suggestions for improvement include:
- Prayer
- Practice forgiveness – people who are able to forgive are more likely to feel connected to their core beliefs and the grace that life provides
- If able, travel to places different than where you come from. Engaging with other cultures helps you be grounded in what you believe while also broadening closed off beliefs and through patterns.
Take a look at this resource where you can assess your current life balance among the 6 dimensions so that you can adequately address the areas needed for long term growth and development.
If you are ready to work towards starting your wellness journey or looking to bring new growth to your already thriving work towards growth, turn to Anchored Hope Counseling in Kannapolis, NC. Anchored Hope Counseling provides a wide range of therapy services from couples counseling to personal one-on-one sessions. View a list of our offerings online, or schedule a consultation today. If you liked these tips remember to subscribe to our weekly blog for more news and insights.
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The 3 Biblical Reasons for Divorce
As a Christian, when we walk down the aisle on our wedding day, we are committing to a lifetime with our spouse. The bible tells us in Mark 10 that when we marry “two become one flesh”, that in the eyes of God we have been joined together. When we consider our our marriages, none of us consider the idea of divorce. Quite frankly, most of us don’t even see it as an option.
As a Christian counselor who works with couples who are struggling in their marriages, the most frequent thing I hear is “I can’t get divorced because I am a Christian and I made a promise to God.” While this sentiment is true for most cases, what many people don’t know, is that God provides in scripture 3 reasons for biblical divorce. When I share this with clients, many have no idea, or are resistant to the idea because for the majority of their life they have been told that divorce is not an option.
While I never suggest divorce as an immediate response to difficult times, I think it is imperative for Christians to know when divorce is an option. At the root of this mentality is the notion that marriage is a way of honoring and worshipping God. If we are not carrying out our marriages in the way He deems appropriate, we are dishonoring Him just as much by staying as we are by possibly leaving. So what are the reasons that God provides anyway?
Reason 1: Abandonment
“But if a husband or wife who isn’t a believer insists on leaving, let them go. In such cases, the believing husband or wife, is no longer bound to the other.” 1 Corinthians 7:15A
In this passage, we are provided that we are not bound as Believers in remaining married to a non-believing spouse. The biggest thing to note here is what constitutes a believer. Just because your spouse attends church, may read their bible or say their prayers, does not mean that they are faithfully Believing or engaging in a relationship with our Lord. Following the works and rituals does not guarantee a relationship and belief. Many wives tell me that their husband’s are not spiritually leading or that their husbands just “check the boxes” of what they are “supposed” to do. When this is the case, abandonment may be considered as a reason for divorce.
Reason 2: Adultery
“ I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.” Matthew 19:7-9
This reason for divorce is the most widely known and discussed in the modern church community. While original language of scripture doesn’t translate to “adultery”, the notion is that sexual immorality is grounds for divorce. The most confusing part of this scripture is that if a divorce occurs, and one remarries, they are committing “adultery”. However, this is only the case of they divorce for non-biblical reasons (as discussed in this blog).
Reason 3: Abuse
Exodus 21:10; Deuteronomy 21:11 (and many more)
This final reason for divorce is probably the most convoluted. There is no direct statement in scripture that says “divorce is ok if someone is abusing you emotionally or physically”. However, many places in the bible discuss how abuse is displeasing to the meaning of marriage and are dishonoring of the marriage bond. When you think about abuse as reason for divorce, consider reconciliation deeply – for God can heal us of sins. However, when abuse is chronic, unchanging, and damaging to mental and physical safety, divorce is permittable. The spouse is not living a Christian life and submitting to a biblical marriage which qualifies them as a non-believer.
Remember that the first step if experiencing marriage conflict should be to seek help in the form of counseling. This will help redirect your marriage back on God. If you are experiencing a biblical reason for divorce, it may be worth considering if you are honoring God? If your marriage is struggling or if divorce for biblical reasons is necessary seek a Christian therapist near you. Anchored Hope Counseling in Kannapolis, NC provides a wide range of therapy services from couples counseling to personal one-on-one sessions. View a list of our offerings online, or schedule a consultation today. If you liked these tips remember to subscribe to our weekly blog for more news and insights.
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Spring Cleaning and Mental Health
Decluttering your mind, body and soul
Flowers are popping back up. The weather is getting warmer. Birds are chirping and returning from their winter migration. Spring is notorious for fresh starts and beginning new. In the cycle of seasons, the cycle of life is reflected. After periods of decay, death, and ends, a season of rebirth, renewal, and rejuvenation takes hold. For many people, this means attacking their closets, cupboards, and garages for the age old spring cleaning. But spring cleaning doesn’t have to just be about cleaning out your spaces – it can also mean cleaning out your mind, focusing on your health, and washing away the sins of your soul.
Renewing your Mind
- Take some time to reflect on your negative thoughts and the attached behaviors. Consider how you can let these negativities go and start anew. Possibly write each one down and toss them in the fire. Alternatively, try journaling about them and reflecting on what goals you want to achieve.
- Straighten up your priorities. Take inventory of all the things you are responsible for and engage with on a daily basis. Which of these things can you let go of? Which of these things can you do less of? What things actually matter? Putting your priorities in order and honoring what matters most to you will allow you to let some things go that don’t serve you.
Refocusing your Body
- Create a self-care routine. It takes 30 days to make a habit, and research suggests we should only try to build 1 or 2 habits at a time. Physical self care could be introducing a new intuitive eating and nutrition plan, exercising more, or getting regular sleep.
- Movement is so important to getting back to equilibrium. Movement can be as big as regular high intensity exercise or as simple as a stroll in your neighborhood. Bonus points if you move outside in the sunshine!
Rejuvenating your Soul
- Find a new (or reintroduce) intentional practice with God. It is so easy to let go of our relationship building and intentionality with the Lord as we go through everyday life. Try 15 minutes of prayer, a new devotional, or 30 minutes of reading your bible. Your soul will thank you for it.
- Reconnect with people through gratitude and appreciation. When we find things we are thankful for in our relationships and share them with those loved ones, we can provide ourselves with our own dopamine hit – which means more happy vibes!
If you are ready to work towards your own personal spring cleaning – looking to bring new growth to your mind, body, and soul, turn to a therapist near you at Anchored Hope Counseling in Kannapolis, NC. Anchored Hope Counseling provides a wide range of therapy services from couples counseling to personal one-on-one sessions. View a list of our offerings online, or schedule a consultation today. If you liked these tips remember to subscribe to our weekly blog for more news and insights.
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Discovering Healing at the Root
A reflection on why we should do the hard work to heal
By Meghan Ray, March 13 2024
Instant Gratification
When we look at today’s society, we see an influx in taking the easy way out. We are living in the generation of “right now” with instantaneous access to everything. You can google the name of that one guy in that one movie in a matter of seconds. I can have anything from books, clothing, groceries, and a Dunkin latte delivered in a matter of minutes. You no longer wait a week for the next episode of your favorite show to drop. Rather you binge an entire series in a matter of a few days. I can even “search find” a phrase of the bible in our ever handy bible apps instead of searching through the text firsthand. Instant gratification, contentment, happiness and knowledge. Everything happens right now and when I want. The time of waiting, working, and devoting time and energy, no longer defines our society.
Application to Therapy
As a therapist, I see this in no better example than in the demand for instantaneous “healing” from our traumas, anxieties, depression, stressors – whatever is plaguing our mental health. We are all looking for a magical phrase or tactic that will change our lives and our emotions overnight. What’s difficult in working with a “right now” society is that healing is not instantaneous. Healing is hard, long, time consuming, and frustrating. It is only when we give it that time and hard work, that we actually get to the root of our problems and heal in a long term substantial way.
The Problem in Mental Health?
One of the biggest issues, to me, in the mentality of wanting right now healing, is the immediate turn to medication. While medication has a time and place in some situations, the chronic referral to medicate to address mental health is on the rise. We are living in the most medicated society of any other developed nation. Why? Because when I have a pill I can take each morning to “fix” my emotions and feelings, then I don’t have to do all the leg work therapy entails. I am “instantaneously” healed. Let me emphasize that there is nothing wrong with medication – it is a very useful tool to help regulate brain chemistry so that clients can be stable enough to do the leg work of therapy. However, when we are only pushing for medication and not therapy we are doing a disservice to our clients and their long term growth.
Turn from Shortcuts
It is in my nature as a therapist to turn my nose down to shortcuts in healing. Shortcuts don’t help us find the things that are plaguing our personal and generational problems. They don’t help us find coping skills and strategies to address these problems long term. Shortcuts don’t help us face the things that are difficult for us and make us grow within that uncomfortably. So whether you have been dealing with mental health issues for years or it something that has just come on to your radar, ask yourself – will instant gratification get me to long term happiness? Will taking the shortcut help me become and sustain the person I want to be?
If you or someone you know has gotten to the point that you are ready to heal from the root and promote a lifetime of sustained stability, turn to Anchored Hope Counseling in Kannapolis, NC. Anchored Hope Counseling provides a wide range of therapy services from couples counseling to personal one-on-one sessions. View a list of our offerings online, or schedule a consultation today. If you liked these tips remember to subscribe to our weekly blog for more news and insights.
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Remember America
A Reflection of September 11, 2001
It’s been a long time since I wrote a blog. Life has been crazy with moving, remodeling, and many other life changes. However, today, it was important for me to take time and reflect on the 20th anniversary of September 11, 2001. Even though you will see many posts today you on reflection and remembrance, I wanted to take the time honor all those affected by sharing what I will never forget about that day and what I hope Americans will always remember.
The terror attacks on Sept. 11, 2001 forever changed our country like few events ever have, or ever will. Even after 20 years, I will never forget watching the second plane fly into the South Tower with my 8th grade classmates. I will never forget the feeling of terror and heartbreak watching people climb out of the rubble, carrying those who didn’t make it. I will never forget the tears and fear that day.
However, what I remember most about that day was not the shock and terror. It was the unity in the moments and days that followed. I remember being amazed at how an act of terror that was supposed to bring our country to its knees actually made American stronger. We stood united to help those in need. I was in awe of those on Flight 93 who sacrificed their lives to save others. In New York, I remember seeing ordinary citizens in business attire helping first responders pull people from the rubble. In rural North Carolina, you couldn’t drive anywhere without seeing an American flag flying, some even painted their lawns or roof with the “Red, White, and Blue.” Even middle school students put their differences aside and prayed together, helped each other, and shifted their focus on helping in some way. Everywhere you looked, there was amazing amounts of strength, compassion, patriotism, and unity. In the darkest of days, American’s looked beyond labels and stereotypes and just saw each other as American’s, united to honor our fallen and protect our freedom.
These incredible acts of compassion and strength inspired me, and at age 13, taught me what it truly meant to be an American. I understood the importance of my freedoms and how truly blessed I was to be born in the UNITED States of America. For the first time in my life, I saw what true unity looked like and why Americans must always remember to “Stand United.”
Sadly, despite all of the “never forget” posts you will see, I feel that American’s have forgotten to remember the most important part about September 11, 2001. We have forgotten the unity and the compassion for others, despite our differences. Our country seems to be the most divided it has been since the Civil War. Families are splitting over political differences. First responders who were once applauded for their service and courage, are now being called to terminate or de-fund their agencies. Finally, in a country that once valued freedom of choice, speech, and religion, individuals are being “canceled” when they step outside the “norm” or simply just make a mistake.
It is heartbreaking to see how far we have come in 20 years, but I still have a faith and love in this country. I pray that we can stand united again, despite all differences, just to show compassion and love to our fellow countrymen. Therefore my hope, as we reflect on this milestone anniversary, that all American’s will unite and recall the characteristics of this nation that allowed us to rise above the fear and become a stronger nation.
“…I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:1-3 NIV)
De-clutter Your Life: A Christian Perspective
For the past few weeks, I have taken a break from blogging. Why? I needed to take some time for spring cleaning. As many of you know, my husband and I are remodeling a 100 year old house. Whenever the house is finished, we will be downsizing tremendously. Unfortunately, downsizing also mean I need to de-clutter and clean out. Throughout this process, I have had to box up the essential items that we will be putting into our new home and selling or throwing out anything that is no longer needed. Before, I started this process, I always thought that I lived simply and never considered myself materialistic. However, the more I sort through cabinets and drawers, I am finding that I have still collected a ton of unnecessary things over the last decade and that I should have made it a point to de-clutter on a regular basis.
With all of the spring cleaning the past few weeks, I was reminded how our messy our lives can be when we forget to take time to de-clutter our lives and schedules and how “too much stuff” can be overwhelming to our mental and spiritual health. To find balance to your mental and spiritual health, here are 3 tips to de-clutter your life.
1. Get rid of the non-essentials:
Just like when you are spring cleaning, you have to start by sorting through the clutter and prioritize what needs to stay and what needs to go. Start this process by asking yourself the following questions.
“What feels like too much in my life today?”
“Do I have trouble getting rid of things I don’t use regularly “just in case” I need them later? Do these “just in case” items bless or burden me?”
“What is causing the most clutter in my life, possessions, over scheduling, or digital devices?”
“Does my stuff fit my space? Does it fit my needs and the needs of those who share my space? If not, what is one concrete step I can take this week toward eliminating physical clutter?
“What can I get rid of today to feel more peace?”
2. Stop putting your trust in stuff:
Matthew 6:19-21 states: “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (ESV).
Basically, this verse explains that our safety and security must not be rooted in material items because ultimately they do not last. Having the best stuff or most stuff does not make us better because those things have to always be replaced. Instead, this verse tells us to focus on our heavenly treasures by putting our focus on God and how we can live our life for him.
Remember, God doesn’t care for how many possessions we have and often chooses not to “bless” with an abundance of things; I don’t know about you, but my prayers to find $1,000,000 has never been answered! Instead He reminds us that possessions must never be our utmost concern, that our needs will be met and in return, he points us toward caring for others. The less stuff we have to manage, the more we can fulfill our purpose.
3. Take break from Technology:
Technology can be a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, I love to easily be able to reach people all over the world within minutes and quickly ordering from Amazon is often much faster and easier than going to the store. However, social media addiction, looking at our phones instead of our family, web surfing time warps, and the instant gratification of likes and followers, can consume and clutter our lives. As a result, de-cluttering our lives often means de-cluttering our digital devices. I am not saying you have to get rid of your smartphones and tablets, but you may need to evaluate your time on your devices to see if it is causing your life to be cluttered.
Back in January, I made the decision to completely delete social media off of my phone and any non-essential apps. By doing so, I felt freer and even found myself with more free time in the evenings. I didn’t realize how much time I spent mindlessly scrolling through apps on my phone. By this simple task, I was able to free my soul and made space for my family, real friendships, and rest.
Ultimately, remember that clutter doesn’t have to be physical things. Work, family, housework, school, technology, and over committed calendars can lead to cluttered lives. This spring, take the opportunity to de-clutter your life through some spring cleaning. Little by little, you will learn what is truly essential in your life and will begin to let go of the non-essential “junk.” As a result, you will be able to reap the benefits of simplicity with calmer hearts, deeper relationships, and a joyful purpose.
If you want to de-clutter your life and need some help sorting through the essentials, turn to Anchored Hope Counseling in Kannapolis, NC. Anchored Hope Counseling provides a wide range of therapy services from couples counseling to personal one-on-one sessions. View a list of our offerings online, or click here to schedule a consultation today. If you liked these tips remember to subscribe to our weekly blog for more news and insights.
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