“And do not be conformed to this world, but
be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove
what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
(Romans 12:2 NKJV)
Do you have a messy spot in your house? Maybe a table top that needs cleaned, a closet that wants to be organized, or a drawer that is a disaster. No matter where it is – or what it is in/on – that spot is just messy.
We can have messy spots in our internal worlds, too. A memory that haunts us. A conversation that still bugs us. That relationship that is painful or abrasive. Sometimes we can’t do anything about “the cards we are dealt;” we can’t get rid of the messy spot. But, we can keep it from growing bigger than it deserves, distracting us from other things, and sucking away our energy and focus. We can keep it from “living rent free in our heads.”
The other night I was discussing one of my “messy spots” with a friend and she reminded me that we need to cast our cares upon God. I know this. And I struggle to do it EVERY time there’s a care (a “messy spot”) that comes up. My human flesh wants to hold on to anger, insult, bitterness, betrayal and other ways in which I feel wronged. I know in my mind that these things aren’t healthy for me, but efficiently jettisoning them – regularly cleaning out those messy spots – is still a growing area for me. (Maybe for you, too.).
“Cast your anxiety on God.” Why? “Because he cares for you.” Do I – do you? – really want those messy things living rent free in us? Or would you rather let God clean them out and transform us by the renewing of our minds so that he can develop well-formed maturity in us?
What might God put in that space if it was empty? If there wasn’t hurt, anger, insult, bitterness, etc. in that spot, there would be space for more peace, more love, more joy. More of Holy Spirit within us.
That would be worth making room.
God of Peace,
Thank you for your call to develop well-formed maturity within us. Thank you that when we humble ourselves before you, you will lift us up. Thank you that you do not want us to be burdened by messes that take up room within us – and live rent free – but you want us to live a full and abundant life in Christ. Thank you that when we cast our cares on you, our Lord, you will sustain us. Help us to make room for more of you by letting go of “messes” and embracing your peace, your love, and your joy. Holy Spirit, guide us into all truths and righteousness and help us live the fullness of life you call us to. In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.
“…..God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.” (Romans 12:2 MSG)
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:6-7 NIV)
“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you;
he will never let the righteous be shaken.” (Psalm 55:22 NIV)
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10 NIV)
“But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.” (John 16:13 NIV)
“MAKE ROOM”
Here is where I lay it down
Every burden, every crown
This is my surrender
This is my surrender
Here is where I lay it down
Every lie and every doubt
This is my surrender
And I will make room for You
To do whatever You want to
To do whatever You want to
I will make room for You
To do whatever You want to
To do whatever You want to
Shake up the ground of all my tradition
Break down the walls of all my religion
Your way is better
Your way is better
Songwriters: Joshua Neil Farro / Rebekah Erin White / Lucas Salles Cortazio / Evelyn Braun Heideriqui © 2018 A New Song For A New Day Music; Community Music Songs; Curb Congregation Songs; Curb Songs; Father of Lights Publishing
[Originally posted February 23, 2022]