So this I say, and affirm together with the Lord, that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart. Ephesians 4:17–18 (NASB)
Sometimes when we are struggling, we can get caught up trying to figure out our emotions. We ask ourselves, “Why am I this way? What’s wrong with me?”
The trouble is, that train of thought has a tendency to take over, and the more we examine ourselves, the more messed up we tend to get. Today’s verse calls it being darkened in…understanding.
Often we focus too much on analyzing the past. Meanwhile, you became a new creation when you gave your life to Christ, indwelt by the Spirit of God! Although we all have beliefs and habits to change by continuing to grow in God’s Word, you are not at all who you used to be. Romans 6:11 says that you are now dead to sin and alive in Christ. You have a new identity in Him!
So why would you want to resurrect the old you?
Now, there’s nothing wrong with learning more about yourself. It can even be healthy, but be careful not to limit yourself. You are so much more than just the sum of every past mess up, emotional moment, personality flaw, and old thought pattern!
Don’t let those old thoughts and emotions rule you. Focus instead on soaking in God’s Word, and let it shape your beliefs. You are alive in Christ, and you now hold His thoughts and feelings.
Keep renewing your mind and growing in your new identity as a child of God. You’ll find joy and purpose in Him!