We all have items in our closets, that for one reason or another, no longer work. Either they no longer fit, or they are just outdated. Sometimes we keep these things because we imagine that one day they will work again for us.
Our attachment can speak of a significance that is multi layered, and far deeper than clothing we happen to like. It can speak of times in our past when we felt good about ourselves, and for some reason we relate to those good times with particular clothes we wore. Now let me take it even further. Have you ever heard a song from your past, and it took you immediately to a time and place? You might even remember what you were wearing, because for some reason it held personal significance. This has happened to me numerous times, and I am always amazed how I can recall in detail the particular elements related to this period in my life.
The other day when a friend and I were speaking of the outdated clothing in our closets, the Lord began to speak. We were just talking about clothes, and yet the Holy Spirit wanted to give us a message.
He began to speak how ill advised it is to drag the past into the future, and try to make it fit. That even good things from that time in our life, are often not the best for us today. That the Lord would rather we experience His fresh bread everyday and not rely on the old bread to supply us with what we need. God wants to reveal a new facet of Himself to us each day, and He does not expect the garments of yesterday to complete us today.
John 6:48-50 ESV I am the bread of life. Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die.