For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
Linus had his security blanket, but my security blanket was a stuffed dog. Posey was her name, and she was a ratty, yet beloved animal. She was so well loved and worn that she was a bit saggy in the body. She was the perfect shape to flop over my shoulder and go everywhere with me.
When I was in school, guess who had to go with me? That dog was happy to stay tucked in my backpack, but I knew she was there. By the time I started second grade, Posey was starting to not fit in there anymore. I couldn’t put new things in because of the room being taken up by something that would do well in being left at home.
As I got older and braver, Posey was relegated to a spot at home as my journey in life continued. A girl could show an unusual, adventurous side at amusement parks. I specifically remember one ride where we would walk into a big circle and just lean against a wall. It would spin until the centrifugal force pushed us and held us against that wall. Then, the floor would drop down and you were stuck like a gecko. The force was too strong to pull your body away from the wall!
There comes a time when we need to let go of the old comfort in order to make room for the new. If not, it’s like we’re being stuck on that ride. We’re held back and can’t move forward. As long as our lives are full of something that’s no longer in God’s plan for us, we’re tying His hands. He can’t fill our lives with what he wants to bless us with because there’s no room. When we do that, we’re living in the past, allowing it to dictate our future.
Is there something that you’re holding onto out of comfort? Is God trying to move you forward in His will, but you’re being held back by the force of the old? Ask yourself…do the contents of my life (my backpack) match what God wants for me?
Is there an old grudge in there? Is there an old collection that’s taking up space? Are you filling it up with television or books so there isn’t time for the true goals that God has put on your heart? Is it full of negative friendships just because they’re comfortable? Just because they’re what you know, doesn’t mean they’re good for you. You may be asking God to bring certain people into your life, but there’s no room.
Take an inventory of what is filling up your life today. Do you need to let go of some of your things to make room for God’s things? Are you holding tightly to something just because it’s been your security blanket? Don’t allow any force to hold you back. Put your life in God’s hands. He has plans for you, you just need to make room for them. He won’t hold you against that wall. You’ll feel free again!
