What are You Wearing Today?

“Instead of trying to fix yourself, fix your gaze on Me, the lover of your soul. Rather than using your energy to judge yourself, redirect it to praising Me. Remember that I see you clothed in my righteousness, radiant in My perfect love.”

Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence
by Sarah Young

Fashion has never been an important part of my world. As a young girl, growing up in a rural community where there really was no "right side of the tracks," it just never occurred to me to consider my clothing as much more than something to keep me warm, modest, and covered. Of course, I always admire beautiful clothing, and I enjoy refashioning and hand-embellishing garments and shoes that I sell in my little Etsy shop. And because I am a pretty creative spirit, the challenge of taking someting "old" and recreating it into something new and beautiful holds great attraction for me. But as far as my own wardrobe . . . . well, I tend to find something (usually at the thrift shop) that is comfy, fits well, and compliments my body type  ;o) and then wear it until it falls apart. The idea of "new clothes" is just not something that has been a big part of my life.

However, the idea of "fixing myself" has definitely been a driving motivation in my life! When you are in a community, a family, a church where there is always so much more that you should do, could do, ought to do . . . . there is a never-ending quest to "fix youself" and "do" all of those things that other people seem to expect of you. Many of us, as women, fall so easily into that dangerous trap! The deadly combination of getting "comfortable" in our "garment" of insecurity, fear, and anxiety, coupled with our false belief that somehow we need to "fix" everything that is "wrong" in our little world will drain your energy and leave you feeling like an insignificant failure. The truth is that we need to change the focus of our energy!

I'm trying to make a conscious effort, every day (usually every hour and sometimes every minute!) to focus my energy on praising my Heavenly Father for what "is" and deliberately letting go of all of my fear. I'm working on being less judgmental of myself (trying to ignore all of those old voices in my memory that always remember every mistake I've ever made!), and actively visualizing myself as clothed in His righteousness. Because in reality, when I invest all that energy in trying to "fix" myself, I've momentarily forgotten that God sent His Son to be my Savior because I can't do it myself. Seems like I would have figured that out by now! Today, when you feel yourself wandering in the Forest of Should-Have, or in the Wilderness of Ought-To, face the Son. Because no matter what the world around you insists on telling you, you truly do shine with the radiance of His love. And that's all that ultimately matters. I'm trying to relax, won't you join me?

"God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God."  2 Corinthians 5:21

Please visit Debbie, our hostess for In Other Words this week, at her blog Heart Choices, to read her post and find the links to the other participants. Have a great Tuesday and don't forget to put on your very best outfit today: clothe yourself in His righteousness and then enjoy the freedom that comes from His love.

 

Comments

[Debbie]

I'm so glad you focused on trying t fix things and not the clothes and appearance factors. We can be critical of ourselves and allow those voices in our heads rob us of joy. We are clothed in the righteousness of Christ. And yes, we cannot do it all.

Blessings and love,
Debbie

[Janette@Janette's Sage]

Good post! I recently have been rethinking saying I am a sinner...yes I sin, but the scripture also says that I am a saint...a royal priesthood...God sees me through the blood of Jesus. If He calls me that then shouldn't I call myself that....like the quote..we are righteous...clothed in righteousness.
What an awesome gift He gave us!

[Tami Boesiger]

I'd LOVE to relax with you! The part of the quote that gets to me is the part about using energy to judge myself. Guilty. Why do I too easily forget to trust Him to make something good out of me?

[Denise]

Awesome post.