Release to Receive the New

“But forget all that—it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?…” – Isaiah 43:18-19

Quarter one is coming to an end, and a new one is about to begin. Likewise, this becomes the time of the year when the weather also changes. Beautiful white snow blanketing the ground, barren tree trunks, and the wonderful absence of pesky insects get replaced with luscious bushes, pretty flowers, and some animals awakening from hibernation. In addition to the outside environment adjusting, we let our humble abodes accommodate the change. Hopefully, the Christmas decorations are long since stored away, and you may even have found yourself partaking in some spring cleaning that may involve an exchange of warm clothes for lighter ones.

            This sorting through clothes becomes a tedious yet eye-opening task. Some items may not fit like they used to around this time last year. They may be too tight, too small, too short, or maybe even too big. The ones that still look stylish and feel great get a spot in the closet or drawer while the others must be tossed or given away. If you’re anything like me, you may get dismayed at that one super nice outfit not fitting anymore. I’ve been tempted to hold onto it, convincing myself I’ll lose the weight and fit that smaller size that I was years ago…but in other cases, I’ve accepted the expiration date—that it’s just time to let that go. When I finally make it through the piles and determine what can stay and what must go, I can then be ready for the new clothes to replace the old.

            Just as the outside and physical inner spaces we inhabit need a thorough cleaning and cleanse for growth or a conducive environment, our inner selves need it, too, for newness to come. I realized after a time of reflection and a Meet Me at the Altar experience this month that it’s imperative to release in order to receive the new. Just as the no-longer-needed or non-fitting clothes in your closet must be removed to give space for the brand-new clothes, some internal aspects need to be discarded for us to receive the new. If we hold on to the past, grudges, unforgiveness, heartache, etc., it can become increasingly difficult to embrace or accept the new that God wants to do for and through you. How do you properly and fully let go, though, and know that you’re ready for something new?

            The answer to this question from my perspective lies in transparency, acknowledgment, and relinquishing it all to God. The path to rectifying a problem begins with self-evaluation. It can be easy to overlook, ignore, or even avoid correcting an issue if time isn’t taken to look into it. This step requires honesty and turning a mirror onto oneself. Next, acknowledge that it exists. Otherwise, it still takes up space and has impact on the individual. Ignoring the problem does not eliminate it but enables it to linger with lasting effects. When you identify, you can rectify the issue. If not, unhealed childhood trauma can carry over into adulthood. Unforgiveness can manifest as bitterness and adverse treatment toward others like the one that initially hurt you. Unbroken bad habits can lead to mishandling the new that’s awaiting you. Whatever those old things are, they need to be acknowledged and dealt with however is necessary for you (e.g., therapy, prayer, discipline, etc.). Lastly, release it into God’s capable hands. Isaiah 43:18-19 already promises newness that cannot compare to what you’ve endured. Therefore, your surrender enables Him to handle the old and usher you into the new.  

            Ultimately, I hope that as you transition into this second quarter and time of spring cleaning, that you can utilize these steps to assist in releasing the old to make room for the new that’s on the way in your life. During the process, refer to Isaiah 43:18-19 and consider Tye Tribbett’s words as great encouragement of what to do: “Let Him bring you out. Let Him bring you through. Let Him take your old ways/ Throw them away and make it new.” –Tye Tribbett, “New”

Thanks for reading!

Blessings, Author Andréa Hardaway