Did you know that hoarding is a sign of the poverty spirit? I’ve been teaching this for years.
When my wife and I were first married, we were so poor. It was hard not to hold on to stuff, thinking, We might need this later.
Eventually, our trinkets stacked up. Our backyard began to resemble a junkyard.
It took our children and grandkids visiting over the summer to finally convince us to clear this stuff out.
During one boiling Memorial weekend, Dawna and I went through our entire yard, loaded every useless item into our trailer, and hauled it off.
It was 3 solid days of back-breaking work, but I’m so glad we did it.
Today, our grandkids can wander outside freely, without the fear of tripping on some useless metal contraption.
When I first started teaching in the 2000s, I had no idea hoarding was a sign of the poverty spirit.
But once I began researching for my book, I realized it made total sense!
Hoarding is all about fear and scarcity. It’s a presumption of lack.
Someone believes there’s a limit on provision, so they store anything that appears remotely useful.
Now, please note: squirreling can also be a sign of mental decline. If you suspect a loved one is stockpiling because of cognitive problems, seek professional help.
The Spiritual Side of Hoarding
Those who struggle with runaway storing can collect anything: plastic containers, clothes, or pens.
Point is, they hold onto things that retain little or no value, even if they’re unsure that they’ll need them later.
While hoarding seems like a role of stewardship, it’s actually a sign of the poverty spirit. Scripture tells us there’s more than enough:
“And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.” – 2 Corinthians 9:8 ESV
It also states:
“Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” – Matthew 6:31-33 ESV
And it reminds us:
“The blessing of the LORD makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.” – Proverbs 10:22 ESV
In summary, God provides all that you need. There’s no reason to worry.
That’s why hoarding is a sign of the poverty spirit. It denies the Lord’s ability to provide.
Side note: storing junk is different from saving assets. There’s a reason people collect stamps, cars, or homes, which can gain value over time.
The New Testament promises us access to a life of abundance. We don’t need to cling to our junk.
If you find yourself hoarding, repent and ask God to show you the truth of His provision.
A Prayer to Break Free from the Poverty Spirit
If you struggle with hoarding, declare this prayer:
“Jesus, forgive me for opening a door to the poverty spirit. Release me from partnership with lack. I confess that You are my provider and protector. I hand responsibility of provision to You, and ask that You give me an identity of abundance in exchange. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”
A Prophetic Act to close this door
This week, take a look around your house. Are there piles of junk that need to be disposed of?
If so, do the important task of clearing it out. Set aside 2 to 3 days. (Break it up over several weekends, if needed.)
Gather up your trinkets in a pickup or trailer and haul them to the dump.
View this as a prophetic exercise to signal that you’re turning back to God as your provider, and breaking free from the poverty spirit.
P.S: For an even deeper look at the signs of a poverty mindset, check out my online training, Prosperous Soul Online: Foundations.