Does It Bring You Shalom?

As I begin the process of going through my things—sorting, organizing, deciding what stays and what goes—I keep coming back to one question that keeps tugging at my spirit:

You may remember a few years ago, a Japanese organizing expert encouraged people to ask, “Does it spark joy?” as they decluttered their lives. And while that question resonated with many, I’ve found that joy alone isn’t the only measure worth using. Joy can be fleeting, tied to emotions or memories. But shalom—true, Biblical shalom—is something deeper. It’s eternal. It’s sacred.

But before we can ask if something brings us shalom, we must first understand:

What is shalom?

The Hebrew word shalom (שָׁלוֹם) is so often translated as “peace,” but that only scratches the surface. In truth, shalom means wholeness, completeness, harmony, safety, and rest. It is the kind of peace that comes not from a cleared-off countertop or a tidy shelf, but from walking in alignment with YHWH.

“YHWH bless you and guard you; YHWH make His face shine upon you, and show favour to you; YHWH lift up His face upon you, and give you shalom.” Bemiḏbar (Numbers) 6:24–26, TS2009

This blessing isn’t just about feeling peaceful. It’s about being made whole. It’s about restoration, favor, purpose, and divine covering.

So as I hold items in my hand, or scroll through digital files, or even evaluate relationships and commitments, I no longer ask, “Does this bring me joy?”

Instead, I ask:

Does this thing bring me into greater alignment with YHWH’s heart?

Does it stir order or does it sow chaos?

Does it support the calling He has on my life?

Does it bring healing or does it reopen wounds?

Because anything that does not contribute to shalom—His kind of wholeness—is, in some way, a distraction or a burden.

We know from Scripture that shalom is a gift from YHWH, often flowing from our trust in and obedience to Him:

“You guard him in perfect peace (shalom shalom), whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” Yesha‘yahu (Isaiah) 26:3, TS2009

It’s not found in the abundance of stuff, but in the simplicity of faithfulness. So when we declutter—whether physically, emotionally, or spiritually—we do so not to live “minimalist,” but to live Messianic. Focused. Whole. Anchored.

So I Challenge You Today…

Next time you open that closet, that calendar, or even your heart—ask yourself:

Not just comfort, not just nostalgia, not just temporary happiness—but the lasting shalom that only YHWH provides.

Because a house may be clean, a life may be full, but only He can make it whole.

Sometimes, letting go is the very act that allows His shalom to flow in.

“Let the peace of Messiah rule in your hearts…” Qolasim (Colossians) 3:15, TS2009

What in your life brings true shalom?

Not just comfort… not just joy… but deep, restorative, YHWH-given peace?

As I’ve been sorting through my home and heart, I’ve started asking a new question:

It’s become a holy filter—and it’s changing everything.

Pause. Reflect.

And then ask yourself:

Does this lead me closer to wholeness? Or is it time to let go?

Let’s choose peace that lasts. Let’s choose shalom.