From Clutter to Clarity: Discovering God’s Guidance with Spiritual Thinking

And give my son Solomon an uncluttered and focused heart so that he can obey what you command, live by your directions and counsel, and carry through with building The Temple for which I have provided.

1 Chronicles 29:19 MSG 

To build our lives, we need to be uncluttered and focused. In this passage, Solomon was about to take over as king, and he had a very important task at hand: building the temple where generations of people worship God. His father, David, asked God to give Solomon an uncluttered and focused heart so that he could carry through with this task. 

We can learn important truths about our own lives from this passage: 

1. God has chosen each of us for a unique destiny.
2. We need clarity and focus to carry through with this destiny.
3. We need God’s help to develop this clarity and focus. 

David prayed for God to give his son Solomon an uncluttered and focused heart, which tells me that it’s not something we naturally have. 

I learned this the hard way in college. My grades were poor, and I was stressed about finals, so I decided to skip exams and retake classes the following semester. My logic seemed sound, but I wasn’t thinking clearly. My mind was cluttered with guilt and emotions about all kinds of things—my grades, my dating relationship, and other unwise choices I was making.

Because of this mental clutter, I forgot that my mail still went to my parents’ house—until they called me upset, after receiving notice that I was on academic probation.

Thankfully, I started studying the Bible and developing a relationship with God. As he helped me deal with my guilt and emotions, my mind cleared up. God helped me face my problems with faith instead of running from them, and my academics were the proof. 

If you were to compare my overall college GPA before and after I became a Christian, it would seem like you were looking at two completely different students. I’m so glad God helped me start thinking spiritually when he did, because this way of thinking has changed the course of my life. 

Spiritual thinking means looking at our lives from God’s perspective. It allows us to see beyond our physical circumstances or difficulties to find faithful solutions to problems when they arise. Instead of being defeated by obstacles, we learn to overcome them through our trust in the power of God. 

The power of spiritual thinking

Problems arise every day. Think about a recent issue you faced. How did you respond? Did you avoid it, panic, or calmly believe there would be a solution?

God doesn’t exempt us from problems but teaches us spiritual thinking:

“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”

Romans 12:2 NLT

As we know God, he transforms our thinking:

• God reveals our worldly thought patterns. The world suggests doing whatever feels good (1 John 2:15-17), but that can lead to bigger issues. Admitting struggles and seeking help is wiser.
• God’s Word offers a new way of thinking. The Bible corrects us and gives courage to follow God’s path (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
• God has a good, pleasing, and perfect plan. He wants to fill our lives with joy, peace, and purpose (Galatians 5:22-23, Jeremiah 29:11-13, Proverbs 3:21-23 TPT).

Spiritual thinking is especially difficult in our current era of digital connectivity. We are bombarded incessantly by the ideas, opinions, and anxiety-inducing alerts of the world around us. Simultaneously, there is increasing concern that the growth of AI is diminishing our ability to think critically. It is crucial that we acknowledge the impact of the world’s ways of thinking on our minds so that we can identify when it’s unhelpful and let God teach us to think differently. 

Scriptures for reflection

1. Think prayer, not problem solving.

Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray. [36] Later Simon and the others went out to find him. [37] When they found him, they said, “Everyone is looking for you.” [38] But Jesus replied, “We must go on to other towns as well, and I will preach to them, too. That is why I came.”

Mark 1:35-38 NLT

Jesus got out of the house to spend time with God before daybreak—before any problems could find him.

When they did, he already had a spiritual focus for his day. He had God’s priorities in mind and wasn’t swayed by people-pleasing, attention-seeking, or stress. So he calmly replied to Simon that he would be moving on to another town to fulfill his purpose. 

Though Jesus had no sin, he was tempted in every way that we are (Hebrews 4:15-16). He was tempted every day to let fear and pride control his thinking. Instead, he made time each morning to pour out his heart to God, and then he had the clarity of mind to think spiritually about his day.

We can imitate Jesus and start thinking spiritually by finding quietness with God each morning—before we try to tackle any problems. Pouring out our hearts to him in the morning and letting him influence us through the Bible is the best way to start learning to think spiritually. 

2. Think humility, not human wisdom.

Then he continued, “Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them.

Daniel 10:12 NIV

Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. [6] Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. [7] Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the LORD and turn away from evil. [8] Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones.

Proverbs 3:5-8 NLT

Thinking spiritually means thinking humbly. It means that we understand there are limits to human understanding, so we look to God for solutions rather than to the world or to ourselves.

One of the best illustrations of this concept is in a little-known movie, The Forbidden Kingdom. The film follows Jason, a kung fu student who can’t absorb the invaluable lessons his master is trying to teach him. His obstacle? His mind is full of things he thinks he knows. There’s no room for a new way of thinking.

Recognizing this, his master tells him he must “empty his cup”—a reminder that true learning requires making room for new knowledge:

The concept of “emptying your cup” appears in many ancient martial arts stories, serving as a powerful visual metaphor. It reminds us that if our minds are already filled with our own opinions and assumptions, there will be no room for new understanding to take root.

Humanistic thinking comes from many sources—our own experiences, other people’s perspectives, and the world around us. In today’s digital age, we are constantly bombarded with human wisdom. While often useful, human wisdom is ultimately limited. The world offers techniques, concepts, and tools, but nothing can replace the wisdom of God. Even the greatest thinkers cannot compare to him (Isaiah 55:8-11, 1 Corinthians 1:20). 

To think spiritually, we must “empty our cup”—humbly letting go of our own perspectives so God can reshape them. Each day, we can do this through prayer by surrendering our thoughts, feelings, worries, and desires, and making mental space for God to speak to us through his Word.

When we have the humility to accept that human wisdom is limited, we will start looking to God instead, and he will make our paths clear. 

3. Think supernatural, not self-reliant.

Nothing is too hard for the God we worship (Jeremiah 32:27). However, when pressure increases, we tend to become more self-reliant in our decision-making. Jesus taught his disciples that we will face problems in life that require a supernatural solution.

This is what happened to the disciples of Jesus late one afternoon. They faced a problem to which there was no physical solution, and Jesus taught them to think supernaturally:

Late in the afternoon his disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. [36] Send the crowds away so they can go to the nearby farms and villages and buy something to eat.” [37] But Jesus said, “You feed them.” 

“With what?” they asked. “We’d have to work for months to earn enough money to buy food for all these people!”

 [38] “How much bread do you have?” he asked. “Go and find out.” They came back and reported, “We have five loaves of bread and two fish.”

[39] Then Jesus told the disciples to have the people sit down in groups on the green grass. [40] So they sat down in groups of fifty or a hundred. [41] Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and blessed them. Then, breaking the loaves into pieces, he kept giving the bread to the disciples so they could distribute it to the people. He also divided the fish for everyone to share. [42] They all ate as much as they wanted, [43] and afterward, the disciples picked up twelve baskets of leftover bread and fish. [44] A total of 5,000 men and their families were fed.

Mark 6:35-44 NLT

The disciples had a problem that they did not have the physical resources to solve. This happens to us all the time in our daily lives—maybe we feel like we don’t have enough hours in the day to do all that we need to do. 

So the disciples did what we often do when we feel backed up against a wall. They tried to take control and figure out a logical solution. 

Jesus taught his disciples a different way of thinking. God is greater than mathematical and logical outcomes. He taught them that there are supernatural solutions to life, and we need to believe in what might seem physically impossible. 

There are things that you and I humanistically can’t do, but that’s okay because God can.  All we need to do is have faith and enough humility to ask God to move on our behalf. 

4. Think understanding, not fixing.

Jesus saw what was going on-not just the argument, but the deeper heart issues… 

Luke 9:47 Voice

Humanistic thinking often seeks quick relief rather than understanding deeper heart issues. I frequently fall into this trap in my marriage, especially during small arguments. My instinct is to quickly resolve things by proving I’m right or avoiding conflict altogether. But as seasoned couples know, arguments aren’t really about the topic—they reflect deeper issues.

For instance, my wife and I have argued over minor things like the best way to fold towels. Human thinking tries to solve these issues superficially—deciding who’s correct or simply avoiding the problem. But spiritual thinking looks beyond the surface to understand deeper issues like pride and bitterness. Usually, one of us insists we’re right, while the other resents feeling disrespected.

Jesus modeled spiritual thinking by addressing deeper heart issues rather than surface conflicts. My wife and I are learning to let God teach us this way of thinking through the Bible and spiritual friendships. This approach helps us to step back during conflicts, recognizing the bigger lessons God wants us to learn and who he’s shaping us to become. Spiritual thinking moves us from simply reacting to problems toward growing through them.

5. Think honesty, not hiddenness.

And then he added, “It is the thought-life that pollutes. [21] For from within, out of men’s hearts, come evil thoughts of lust, theft, murder, adultery, [22] wanting what belongs to others, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, pride, and all other folly. [23] All these vile things come from within; they are what pollute you and make you unfit for God.”

Mark 7:20-23 TLB

If we want to think spiritually, we need to be open about the sins in our minds rather than hide them. Nothing clutters the mind like sin. 

When I became a Christian, I did better in school in large part because I learned to confess my sins—even my sinful thoughts—to God and others. I learned that God forgave me and cleared away my guilt (Psalm 32:5). This is why my mind cleared up and I did better in school. 

Being honest about our sins is not just a religious ritual; it is important to our overall spiritual and mental well-being. God wants us to do it because it brings us close to him (1 John 1:7), clearing out the barriers that stand between us and him, and allowing him to lead us down the best pathway for our lives (Psalm 32:8 NLT). 

He reached down and drew me from the deep, dark hole where I was stranded, mired in the muck and clay. With a gentle hand, He pulled me out To set me down safely on a warm rock; He held me until I was steady enough to continue the journey again. [3] As if that were not enough, because of Him my mind is clearing up. Now I have a new song to sing- a song of praise to the One who saved me… 

Psalm 40:2-3 Voice

Sin and guilt make us feel like we are stranded in a deep hole of shame and regret. Taking responsibility for our sins and asking God to forgive us and purify us allows him to pull us out of that hole. Our minds will clear up, and we will be able to see our lives through new eyes. 

Next steps for spiritual thinking and problem solving

1. Seek other perspectives. The Bible tells us that with many advisors, victory is sure (Proverbs 24:6). A great way to let God guide us is to seek a lot of input. Don’t try to solve problems alone; let other trusted friends and family members influence your thinking.
2. Read the book of Colossians to learn how to set your mind on spiritual things. 
3. Believe that there is a solution when you are facing a problem (Hebrews 11:1-6, Matthew 9:28-29). Starting from a mindset of faith protects us from pridefully or fearfully trying to take control of our situation. 
4. Ask yourself spiritual questions (and write down the answers). When you are trying to solve a problem, take out a piece of paper. The practice of writing things down rather than letting your thoughts bounce around in your head will help you find clarity. Write down your answers to these questions, and then talk to God about what you wrote down:
   • What problem am I really trying to solve? 
   • Which solutions am I drawn to and why?
   • Am I thinking spiritually or humanistically about this problem?