“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” Philippians 4:8

On garbage day I was sorting out what needed to be recycled, composted, or designated for the dump, when it struck me how we regularly clear out the accumulated household trash yet often fail to get rid of the garbage in our hearts and minds. Every day we allow all kinds of negative stuff to enter our lives. We see and read the news on television and in the newspapers. We listen to colleagues, friends, and family who recycle their negative thoughts and issues our way. And week by week we store this clutter inside of us.

Little wonder we end up feeling depressed, uncertain, and lacking in vitality. The garbage clutters everything. As a result we’re unable to achieve our full potential. Even worse, it becomes a case of garbage in and garbage out. The junk in our lives overflows into the things we say and do.

But it needn’t be like this. God is in the business of cleaning out the garbage. He can help us dump the trash. It happens when we recognise that it needs to be dealt with regularly. So turn to God, in prayer, every day. Identify the garbage and hand it over to Him for disposal.

Furthermore, recognise that you can consume less junk. You can choose what to take in. “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” Romans 12:2. You can watch less television, read fewer newspapers, and politely tell negative people, “If it’s okay with you, I’d rather not hear about that.” It’s all the housekeeping you’ll need to do. By taking in less garbage every day you’ll be rejuvenated because it will take less energy to get rid of it. In addition, you’ll also have room in your life for things that are positive. You’ll be better able to think about the things that are excellent and praiseworthy – to consider “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable” Philippians 4:8. So go ahead and do it. You’ll be surprised at how much better you’ll feel.