Time to Empty Your Pockets
For many years, my husband’s habit has been to walk in at the end of his work day and empty his pockets into a basket near the door. His wallet, keys, and any miscellaneous items he happens to have picked up end up in that basket. It’s almost as if this ritual prepares him for a fresh start to the remainder of his day. The cares of the past several hours are left behind, and he can focus on home life. He has arrived at his haven and refuge from the world.
As I struggled to fall asleep the other night, concerns and worries continuously tumbled around in my mind. My go-to on restless nights is Scripture so I repeated 2 Corinthians 10:5b: “…We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” As my own racing thoughts slowed, I felt a prompting from the Lord. “Empty your pockets. Put each worry in the basket, and get some rest.”
So I did. I pulled out first one situation, then another and another. I emptied my pockets of one care at a time, placing each one in the basket of God’s perfect peace. And I fell asleep.
In the morning, some of the contents I’d placed in the basket were gone. What was left had diminished in size and power. And some of it - things I had no control over – stayed in the basket. They weren’t mine to carry in the first place.
The Capitol One commercials would ask you: “What’s in your wallet?” Maybe the Lord is asking you: “What’s in your pockets?”
Are you carrying around cares of this world that you weren’t made to carry? Worry about the future? Bitterness from a relationship that didn’t work out? A weakness you can’t seem to overcome? The struggles of a loved one? Financial uncertainty?
Friend, God is holding out His hands and asking you to empty your pockets. Let Him sift through all of the things that are weighing you down. He may just remove some of those concerns from your life. Or He may use those hard things to draw you closer to Him as you and He tackle them together. But one thing He won’t do is snatch them from your hands. He’s waiting for surrender. Are you willing to empty your pockets?
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“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7
“I lift up my eyes to the hills – where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip – He Who watches over you will not slumber…” – Psalm 121:1-3
“Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” – Hebrews 4:16
“I will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” – Psalm 4:8
“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” – Matthew 11:28-30
