Penny had fallen asleep in the car, so we transferred her straight to bed, without changing in to her jammies. When she woke to use the bathroom, she noticed and wanted to change and asked for help. Half way through, she had a change of heart and wanted no help. In her tired state of mind, she decided to do it by herself, putting back on the clothes from the day.
With frustration, she proceeded to
put her shirt on upside down, inside out and backwards. As she cried, stating
she needed no help and could do it herself, I waited.
And God reminded me of how often we
say we will follow him and cast off our old selves, only to be held in bondage
by the days past. How we willingly go back to our sin. We go back to trusting
ourselves to knowing what is best for us, instead of trusting God; thus make a
mess of things as we meander through it all. Instead of putting off the old self and the things that hinder, we hold
them tighter and mix them up with things of God. For when we are in that
place, we cannot hear wisdom or guidance from God or others. And in some cases,
doing whatever we are doing all in the name of Jesus.
Penny proceeded to tell me to go
away please, that she did not need me. I asked if she was sure. And she assured
me she was, as she laid on the floor with a mess of clothes.
And like that, we tell God we don't
need him either. He can go away because we are good. We are good doing our own thing. We don't need anyone to help. But we do. We need God. We need him to
come in and show us how to let go. How to transform our old self in for his
purposes and take our brokenness and use that for his glory. How to cast our
cares to him and trust him. Truly trust him.
Cast Your Cares by Tim Timmons fits
here. Have a listen.
I will cast my cares on You the almighty
I will cast my cares on You 'cause You're good
I will cast my cares on You 'cause You love me, You love me
I will cast my cares on You 'cause You're good
I will cast my cares on You 'cause You love me, You love me
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:22-24
Praying that you would fully cast your cares God. That you would cast off everything that hinders you and the sin that so easily entangles. Praying that instead of seeking self reliance that you would seek dependence on God. Praying that you would continue to be renewed and revitalized in your walk with Christ and not be held in bondage from the past. That you would seek the things of his kingdom and his teachings above the world.
Here's to casting off the old for new.