Old and Familiar

Revelation 21:5 – Then the one who sits on the throne said, "And now I make all things new!" He also said to me, "Write this, because these words are true and can be trusted." (GNB)

When I bought a new sewing machine, I had to learn all about it. The spools went on differently; the bobbins went in differently; it had a cool needle threader that I had to learn to use, and a different button-hole maker. This took me away beyond my comfort zone. I had to stretch. I had to learn. I had to try new things, and if it didn't work, I had to try again. The buttonholer — I couldn't figure it out on my own. The owner's manual didn't help. The pictures didn't help. I was lost. At this point, the old and familiar seemed so much better. I finally went to the store where I bought the machine, and they showed me how to use the buttonholer. I had to learn something new, even though the basics were the same.

Old and familiar seems good. Old and familiar is comfortable. Old and familiar is … well … old and familiar. We like it that way — no stretching — no discomfort — no changing.

It is hard to break out of that comfort zone. It is hard to break out of old habits. It is hard to learn something new.

As in our text for today, God is making all things new. Trusting that God will do as He says is sometimes difficult too. The last part of the verse says that these words are true and can be trusted — can be trusted — not hopefully, not maybe — but can.

Psalm 46:1 – God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. (GWT)

Jeremiah 33:3 – Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known. (ESV)

God is ever present to help us — to see the old and familiar that needs to change in our lives, to see there is something new for us to learn, to trust Him to lead us.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we like the old and familiar. But we also know that to grow, we can't stay there in those same spots forever. Help us, we pray. Please show us those areas that are making us stay in the old ways. You have promised that if we call to You, You will answer and You will tell us things we don't even know. Help us to listen to what You have to say. Help us to trust You. Help us to obey. How we need You today! Amen.

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