THE UPPER ROOM DEVOTIONAL 17TH NOVEMBER 2025, MONDAY MESSAGE
Cleaning the Closet
Lisa Stackpole (Wisconsin, USA)
Today’s Reading
Isaiah 43:16-21
The Lord says, “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” – Isaiah 43:19 (NIV)
I had not cleaned out my closet in years, and it had become a time capsule of the various stages of my life. Here were the business suits I had worn decades ago as a professional. When I wore them I felt dressed for success. They still fit, but now I had no opportunities to wear them. And there on the shelf was a carry-on suitcase my late husband, Jerry, had used on many trips. I had my own luggage, so why was I keeping his? I had so many more personal items to remind me of our years together.
It had been 15 years since I retired, and almost a decade had passed since Jerry died. Yet I was still holding on to many vestiges of my past. I knew I needed to clear out the closet and make room for new things.
Scripture tells us, “Do not dwell on the past.” Keeping unneeded clothes or luggage wasn’t likely to hurt me. But clearing the closet made me wonder, Had I been holding on to memories and habits that kept me from fully pursuing the new things God had planned for me? I pray that God will help me embrace the future God has in store for me.
Thought for the Day
What do I need to let go of to make room for God’s new things in my life?
Prayer Focus
Those fearing a new stage of life
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More from Lisa Stackpole
Today’s Prayer
Eternal God, help us to accept with confidence and gratitude the plans you have for us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
The Upper Room Devotional 17th November 2025 is a daily devotional magazine published in more than 30 languages and 100 countries around the world. The daily meditations are written by readers of the magazine and others interested in sharing their faith experiences through writing—both laity and clergy, published authors and new writers. Read More
