I learned a couple of things while pressure washing my deck yesterday.
1. If you move the pressure washer hose in a certain direction across the slots in the deck, it sounds just a like a team of galloping horses. I kept wanting to move out of the way of the oncoming stampede. If nothing else, the thought of wild horses running me down, kept me entertained for the few hours I engaged in this tedious job of pressure washing.
2. There were layers and layers of grime caked onto my deck. I had no idea how much dirt had collected. The change had occurred over time and I didn’t even notice. It wasn’t until I saw what clean really looked like that I could see the extent of the dirt. Some sections on my deck had gotten so bad. I had to revisit those areas over and over in order for the area to be clean again.
I woke up thinking about how my deck is much like my heart when I leave it on its own for too long. I might not be able to see the dirt building up but the longer it goes unexamined and untouched by the Cleaner the grimier it becomes.
Sin, the grime, has a subtle way of building up and taking over. It becomes ingrained in every corner and every crevice. It begins to look normal and feel right. That is why it is so important to allow our Cleaner to come in, on a daily basis, and clean off all the build-up that has collected.
So, has your heart been power washed lately? If not, perhaps today is a good day for a thorough cleaning.
Cleanse me from these hidden faults.
(Psalm 19:12 NLT)
Linking up with Jen today over at Finding Heaven
Hi Eileen. Great analogy. I know when I don't read the word daily (and that happens too often) I also start compromising in small ways, adding dirt. Great reminder to keep things 'clean'.
God bless
Tracy
I like this analogy. Sin does have a way of sneaking in and becoming "normal", doesn't it? I want to stay close to the "Cleaner" so the dirt doesn't build up in my life.
Great observations. Thanks for sharing. I also love the pic you included. Where did you find it?
Yep. Love it!
Love your analogy Eileen. So true, when we leave our hearts full of sin/grime for too long, we may think it is normal, but it is a hindrance to us. Great post.
Awesome post Eileen. I have to admit in the past I am guilty of not always starting my day in the Word, I have become more diligent in doing that the last six months, I have to say since I started doing that I feel more peace, like my heart is cleansed from the previous day and I renewed for the day I have been given.
Blessings.
I certainly need some power washing with the water of the Word of God.
yes – He has been moving me to pray the exact scripture lately…for the iniquities … those hidden things…pride, jealously, discontent etc. Beautiful word picture Eileen…perfect
xo
I love the analogy, too. And, I love that you uncovered this verse is Psalms. It's so true — I don't know all the ways that I have sinned and I need God to forgive me of all — known or unknown.
I actually enjoy power-washing Eileen… There's something very satisfying and cathartic about watching those layers of grime be stripped away revealing an unblemished base. Thank goodness that God likes to power-wash our spirits as well! 🙂
Have a Blessed Day!
Having done the deck wash, I related to this immediately. Your post made me think of one particular time when it took the two of us, my husband and I, to tackle it together. I held the hose, and he push a stiff bristled brush.
I said all that to say this: So many times in the course of our marriage, we've had to do the same with our hearts.
This was an excellent lesson, and I'm glad to find this blog.
Yes, this was so good. Sin does have a way of taking over slowly and subtly. Thank you for turning my mind to Jesus (I need it daily) and for what he has done in my heart – that he can cleanse me from all unrighteousness.
grace and peace to you,
cheryl
My prayer lately has been asking God to show me those things I've hidden even from myself…those things keeping me from drawing closer to Him. Seems we are on a similar journey. So glad I found your blog 🙂