Brand New Clothes

Can you remember the last time you had a new set of clothes to wear? Perhaps it was for a party that you would be attending. Or maybe the first day of work at a new job.

Every year, my mom would take my sister and me clothes shopping, usually in August, for the first day of school. It was the one time of the year when we could look forward to new clothes. (I had older cousins so most of my clothes were hand-me-downs, and though they were like new clothes, they were never as nice as brand new ones.)

The first day of school was always a little scary for me. Somehow having new clothes to wear made that first day special, and took away some of the fear that I felt in returning to school after being away for the summer.

What would it be like to have a new set of clothes to wear each day? I tried to imagine this, as I pondered the truths of this verse. No matter what each new day might hold, there would be an outfit, paid for and chosen by God, for me to wear that day! Only God (and maybe some very rich people) could afford to supply new clothes for me to wear each new morning.

What is it that new clothes do for us? They make us feel good about ourselves, able to face whatever the day may bring our way. They are also a covering for our vulnerabilities.

It is amazing to me that God offers brand new mercies every morning, like a new set of clothes never worn before. He knows the insecurities we feel as we face the unknown challenges of each new day. He knows that we want so much to be accepted by people, even difficult, judgmental fellow coworkers and students on the first day of work or school.

As wonderful as new clothes are, they will never solve the problems that we have inside or with each other. But God’s mercies will cover our spirits, our insufficiencies and fears, and enable us to meet each new day with renewed hope and strength!

Father God, you are such a loving parent, sending me off into my day with everything I need to face the challenges of life. Thank you, that each new day, I can claim my “new outfit” for that day, designed especially for me and my needs. Amen.

Throughout this Day: Claim this promise that you have brand new spiritual clothes to wear, bought and chosen by God whose budget and love for you is limitless! Thank him for this new day’s provision, and for tomorrow’s, and the next day.