“Are you holding onto empty containers?”

 Last week, as I applied my last bit of setting powder, I realized that the container was completely empty. I was hurt, because makeup is expensive. I wear it once a week and I use the same products over and over. This powder had been on its last leg for a while, but I did not want to let it go. Letting it go meant I had to go buy something new. 

Instead of immediately throwing the container away, I left it on my vanity. Then I heard, “Are you holding onto empty containers?” I stopped and thought, “Well yes, I have a tendency to do that.” I don’t know about you, but I have a tendency to hold onto old things that no longer serve a purpose in my life.

I am not exactly sure why, but I think it has to do with comfort and convenience. In the case of the powder, new powder meant that would I have to go to the mall, pay money, get adjusted to the new product, etc. New would cost me something. Often, I find myself using this same logic in other life scenarios. I would rather hold onto the old rather than allowing God to bring the NEW, because sometimes new is inconvenient and uncomfortable.

Can I tell you a secret? In Christ, we have the opportunity to exchange the old for the new, but it is always worth it.

 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

II Corinthians 5:17 ESV

Many of us know what we need to let go of. Maybe it’s an old mindset or habit. Maybe it’s that “friendship” or “relationship” that is leading you into sin. You know what it is. 

Take inventory of those things you are holding onto and discard the empty containers. It’s time for something new.

But forget all that—it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. For I am about to do something NEW…

Isaiah 43:18-19 NLT

Big hugs,

Ayanna