Spring Cleaning Your Soul: A Christian Guide to Spiritual Renewal
There’s something inspiring about the coming of spring. The birds are singing, the flowers are blooming, the grass grows a verdant green — all of God’s creation comes alive at once. Almost overnight, it feels like the world refreshes and renews itself after a long, cold winter.
We see this renewal, and it drives us to emulate it in our own lives. We go on walks to breathe in fresh air, reach out to friends, and, of course, deep-clean our home in this year’s season of spring cleaning.
But what many don’t realize is that while spring is the season that rejuvenates our bodies, it should also be the season that we rejuvenate our spirits. It is, after all, the most important season in the liturgical calendar, with a long period of preparation before the celebration of Easter. This is when Christ offered us the ultimate renewal: forgiveness, transformation, and salvation.
As we look around at new growth and approach Easter, it’s time to do some spring cleaning — but not just for your home. It’s time to spring clean the soul.
Why Spiritual Renewal Is Important
As Christians, we have accepted the forgiveness offered to us and been washed clean of sin. We’ve also been fundamentally transformed by the Holy Spirit. Like the fruit-bearing trees we see blossom and flourish during spring, the fruits of the spirit now grow from us: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance.
But trees need care to produce good fruit. Old branches need to be pruned, rotting fruit must be cleared, and it must be carefully monitored for signs of disease or parasites. Without doing this, the tree could grow too large, damage property with randomly falling branches, and even die.
Like trees, we must conscientiously “prune” ourselves to ensure the fruits we produce truly are the fruits of the spirit. Otherwise, we grow farther and farther away from God. Without relying on Him, we face the coming year drained and empty.
That’s why it’s important to seek spiritual renewal. Like your home, you don’t want to take all that old stuff you don’t use and the layer of dust on the shelves with you through another year. Let’s dive into some helpful ways you can rekindle your faith and renew your spirit:
Engage With Your Church Community
There are a lot of reasons why people don’t go to church (https://www.christianityeveryday.com/top-seven-reasons-not-to-go-to-church/). Going can seem time-consuming, boring, and unnecessary. You’re already saved, after all. Do you really need to go to church?
While God isn’t deciding your salvation based on church attendance, worshiping with a community of fellow believers is an important part of keeping the faith. Psalm 107:31-32 (KJV) says:
31 Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! 32 Let them exalt him also in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders.
Through worship and mutual encouragement, God breathes new life into us. And through Communion, we find sustenance through the body and blood of Christ. So whether it’s attending Sunday services or church events, consistently dedicate some time to your brothers and sisters in Christ.
Set Aside Time to Pray
When was the last time you prayed? I don’t mean a dinnertime prayer or praying with your church. I mean praying the way Jesus instructs us to in Matthew 6:6 (KJV):
6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
Your relationship with God is like your relationship with friends and family: it requires making time for them. Spend time alone with God and open yourself to His guidance, wisdom, and presence. By spending time with our Father, we find renewal.
Integrate Scripture Into Your Routine
The Bible is our way of understanding how God wants us to live. While most Christians know this, not many make reading the Bible a regular practice. In our busy lives, it can be hard to find time for it.
But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (KJV) says:
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
Through God’s word, we find encouragement, rejuvenation, and transformation. Instead of scrolling on your phone during breakfast, consider reading a chapter of the Bible instead (or, for a happy medium, a Bible app). By dedicating time to His word every morning, you start every day with His law in your heart.
Cut Out Bad Habits
During Lent, many Christians traditionally fast. This can be a literal fast, such as not eating on Fridays, but it can also be giving up something in your life that distracts you from God. That could be anything from fast food to pornography. When you feel the desire for that practice, you instead redirect your thoughts to God, acknowledging it’s His sacrifice you’re honoring and asking for strength to reject temptation.
Here’s the thing, though: when Lent is over, you don’t need to stop. You can continue your fast. Lent can be the first step in finding rejuvenation through Christ instead of the world.
Renewal doesn’t just come from positive things you add to your life. When you do your spring cleaning, don’t just toss out the garbage from your home. Toss out the things that keep you from God too.
Find Renewal in Christ
Just like how easy it is to let your home slowly become dirtier through the year, it’s easy to fall into apathy with your faith. When we’re apathetic about our relationship with God, we’re left drained. But by making time for God, scripture, and fellowship with your community, we find renewal — always.