DAY 5 – Put On the New
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV
It’s empowering to recognize and deal with the things that have been holding you back. But what now? Now that you’ve thrown off those old things, it’s time to “put on” the good things that will help you change into the wonderful person God has called you to be.
Like changing your clothes, it’s time to exchange those old thoughts and behaviors for something new. You’ve thrown them off and now there’s a pile of the old and dirty on the floor. You’ve got to reach into the closet and choose something new to wear.
What do these new clothes look like? Here’s what the bible describes for what our lives should look like:
“But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” Galatians 5:22 NLT
What exchanges do you need to make in your life? What “new clothes” do you need to put on? Hate for love? Meanness for kindness? Anger for trust? Anxiety for peace? Depression for joy?
Do you believe God can help you make this holy exchange? He can and he will. Take a moment now and ASK. It’s time to put on something new.
Pray it: Dear God, I need new ways of thinking and new ways of living! Right now I exchange my ___________________ for your __________________ (list the old and then the new here). Help me grow the fruit of the Spirit in my life. Change me and help me become the person you have always wanted me to be. In Jesus name I ask.
Next steps…
It may take more courage than you’ve ever had before to walk this newness out, but you can do this. You can embrace change. You can be kind when you feel like being mean. You can have self-control when you feel like lashing out. You can change your thoughts and you can be exactly who God intended you to be.
Did you know that you can literally change the neurological pathways in your brain? And, that a change in the pathways will affect your wants and desires? It begins with a choice to change your thought patterns. It takes a conscious effort, but if you begin fixing your thoughts on the good things of God, over time, what seems like a struggle to adjust your thinking will become a natural part of who you are and will affect your behavior in positive, peaceful, life-giving ways.
The bible encourages good thought patterns and describes the peace that accompanies the effort: “Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:8-9 NLT
As you make the choice to embrace change, your confidence comes from knowing that God created you to be pretty amazing and that he is there to help you become that each day. You’ll soon realize that there are more and more things you love about yourself as you grow into the wonderful “you” that God intended. You have been changed.
Say it: The old is passed away and I am new in God.
Do it: Do something new! Have courage to share “new” you with someone today. God will be right there with you as you do.
Embrace God’s Word About You:
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV
“For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, ‘Do not fear; I will help you.’” Isaiah 41:13 NIV
