Hurts, Hang-Ups, and Habits
Scripture
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”
— *2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV)*
Devotion
Pastor Darren kept returning to three words learned in step studies: hurts, hang-ups, and habits.
These aren’t just recovery-language; they’re spiritual reality for every believer.
We often build our identity around these things:
Pastor said it plainly: these things are robbing you of a sound mind. They cloud your thinking, blind you to God’s will, and keep you from seeing the good He wants to birth in you.
But in Christ, new creation is not a slogan—it’s a status. Old things have passed away. That doesn’t mean your memories vanish, but it does mean they no longer have the right to define you or dictate your future.
You cannot cling to the old self and fully step into the new. Something has to be turned loose for something new to be taken up.
New creation living means:
Reflection
1. List one hurt, one hang-up, and one habit that still shape how you see yourself.
2. For each, write a “new creation” statement.
Example:
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”
— *2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV)*
Devotion
Pastor Darren kept returning to three words learned in step studies: hurts, hang-ups, and habits.
These aren’t just recovery-language; they’re spiritual reality for every believer.
- Hurts: wounds, betrayals, traumas, disappointments.
- Hang-ups: toxic mindsets, resentments, pride, shame, unforgiveness.
- Habits: sinful or destructive behaviors we use to cope or control.
We often build our identity around these things:
- “I’m the one who was cheated on.”
- “I’m the angry one.”
- “I’m the one who always fails.”
- “I’m the anxious one.”
Pastor said it plainly: these things are robbing you of a sound mind. They cloud your thinking, blind you to God’s will, and keep you from seeing the good He wants to birth in you.
But in Christ, new creation is not a slogan—it’s a status. Old things have passed away. That doesn’t mean your memories vanish, but it does mean they no longer have the right to define you or dictate your future.
You cannot cling to the old self and fully step into the new. Something has to be turned loose for something new to be taken up.
New creation living means:
- Calling those hurts what they are, but not who you are.
- Admitting habits are sin or bondage, not “just how I am.”
- Letting Jesus write a new identity over old wounds.
Reflection
1. List one hurt, one hang-up, and one habit that still shape how you see yourself.
2. For each, write a “new creation” statement.
Example:
- “I was betrayed, but in Christ I am not discarded; I am chosen and loved.”