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Do you ever feel kind of frumpy when you go shopping? I totally do. Regardless of the cute outfit I already have on, I always feel wrinkled and worn compared to the pristine articles of clothing that are nicely pressed and displayed in the best of lighting at my favorite retail stores.

Just like my old clothing that I long to trade with new, fabulous finds at the LOFT, there are old and frumpy memories and thought processes that I long to trade away now that I am set and secure in Jesus.

It all starts in the mind for me. I can twist and turn old memories of mistakes I’ve made into torment. The crazy thing is, I know those stupid things I’ve done in the past are long gone and forgiven. Yet, the torment continues and they run through my mind over and over again as if I have hit repeat on a really bad song on my iPod.

So here is what God gave me to replace those thoughts:

Ephesians 4:22-24 (New International Version)

22You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.



I love the words: PUT ON. It takes me back to the original analogy of shopping {smiles}. God lays out this new clothing of holiness and righteousness like those oh so cute cardigans I saw in the LOFT the other day-pressed and folded nicely. They are there for the taking, but we have to do our part and actually PUT THEM ON. In order to put on the new self, we must first literally take off the old frumpy memories and mistakes. Then the fun begins…



As you are putting on your new attitude; your new, shiny thoughts, see if this mental picture doesn’t help.



You know the little shimmy you do as your slipping into a sundress? Or what about the squat to stretch out the newly-out-of-the-dryer blue jeans? That is what I visualize when I PUT ON the righteousness and holiness that Ephesians promises me. Somehow that mental image snaps me back out of the old and frumpy and into the new and shiny. But, I have to continually PUT IT ON for my mind is my worst enemy.



So, I’ve decided to run with this thought process and see where it takes me. I know that the promises in the Bible are powerful and applicable and I will stand on what I know: Christ gave me a beautiful wardrobe of fresh/new memories and thoughts to run through my mind when He died on the cross for me {and you}. I’m going to take those old, frumpy ones and lay them at His feet.


How about you?

Comments

— 2 Comments

  1. Sarah-
    Why is it that clothes can speak straight to a girls heart? (and the LOFT hehehe). I have been feeling pretty ragged myself. But this message has been something God has been trying to get across to me lately.
    I think He is in the business lately of trying to grab His girls and show them the way He clothes us (emphasis on the HE). The LOFT may have cute clothes, but I am with you on being clothed in Him.
    How cool would it be if the next big women's movement stripped us women of the ragged clothes we "think" we wear and exposed the royal garments that we REALLY wear?? And that we could encourage each other in the ways we are His beautiful, whole girls?
    I think He's doing just that :) Love when I get the same God message from different sources. God is totally in this ;)

    Erin

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  2. That is amazing what you wrote! I struggle with old memories sometimes and feeling the shame all over again even though I know that i've been forgiven. So the image of "putting on" new clothes of righteousness and holiness helps me. I will definitely think of this the next time I'm struggling with an old memory that the enemy likes to plant in my mind. Thanks, Sarah :)

    Your friend,

    Michelle

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