Monday 7 June, 2021

17 So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18 They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. 19 Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed. 20 That, however, is not the way of life you learned 21 when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Ever felt hopelessly confused (NLT)? Things don’t make any sense? Wondering where God is? What He is doing? Not understanding His will or plan? Honestly, yes, I’ve been there, done that, too many times. Especially when I have an expectation of what I think God should do, wondering why He hasn’t. Time when prayers seem to go unanswered. Wondering if God is even listening. Finding myself asking why or where are you God, more than thanking him.

I feel like saying to Paul (if I could) it’s not just gentiles who become confused. All believers can too. But Paul would reply, “Let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes”.

It’s not about letting others change your thoughts and attitudes. It’s about letting the Spirit renew your thoughts, renew your mind, work on the inside. That brings real change, so that we walk IN the life God gives us, instead of wandering far from it.

The answer to my confusion is submitting to the Spirit and letting him renew my thoughts and attitudes. That’s where it starts. Trusting what God has said, trusting who he is. That is the end of confusion.

Father, thank you that you do not leave us to work out our own confusion, but you have given us the Holy Spirit to renew our thoughts and attitudes. I choose again to submit my mind, my thoughts and attitudes to you, to bring renewal.

Written by Andrew Martin