Deep Clean: Getting Rid of Shame, Toxic Influences, and UnforgivenessSample

Deep Cleaning Your Past

It’s hard to ask the Holy Spirit to cleanse us, because it means admitting our brokenness. Often, we’d rather hide our mistakes or try to self-help our way to Jesus. But the Gospel isn’t about pulling ourselves up to God’s level. It’s about God sending His Son down to ours. 

Your past doesn’t have to paralyze you. Your mistakes do not define you. Your brokenness is not too big for the God who set the stars into motion. 

Sometimes, the most faith-filled thing we can do is come to God in the middle of our mess, acknowledging that it’s too big for us to clean up. 

We see a powerful example of this in Matthew 9. A woman who had been bleeding for 12 years approaches Jesus, knowing that if she can only touch the hem of his garment, she’ll be healed, whole, and restored. 

This woman would have been considered ceremonially unclean, meaning that she had been rejected for more than a decade. Can you imagine the faith required to push past a crowd who says you’re unworthy to get to the Savior? 

This woman recognizes she needs help, and she sees her Helper. And what happens next is a powerful reminder for us all: 

Jesus turned and saw her. “Take heart, daughter,” he said, “your faith has healed you.” And the woman was healed at that moment. Matthew 9:22 NIV

Her faith healed her. Not her efforts, good works, achievements, or brilliance. Her faith. 

The truth is, none of us can deep clean ourselves. Our mess is a reminder that we need a Savior, and His name is Jesus. 

Pray: God, I come to You today feeling the weight of my mistakes. Remove my guilt and shame, and remind me of Your love, forgiveness, and mercy. Help me overcome any unbelief in my heart, and strengthen my faith so that I can serve You. In Jesus’ name, amen.