Memories can be wonderful places to visit when they are pleasant and filled with peace and joy.
On the other hand, not all of our experiences have been pleasant. Negative thoughts can be more like a haunted house on a dark and stormy night. We all have our own unique collections of thoughts and emotions, which leave us with the task of figuring out a way to deal with them.
As most of us know, there are positive ways and negative ways to handle our past experiences, and we can look around and see that some have learned to control their feelings while others allow their dark thoughts to control them. Who can help? Jesus desires that we give Him our hearts and minds, allowing Him to guide and heal us.
Some will say, “You have not walked in my shoes,” and this is true, but with every person being a unique individual, God’s love is universal and can bring contentment, peace, and happiness, whatever the situation might be. His promises are true and cannot fail, no matter what we have been through. He can transform our disappointments and stumbling blocks into victorious stepping stones if we listen and obey his voice.
In Psalm 57, we read a story about David, who is in great danger and is hiding in a cave to escape the wrath of Saul. However, even in this dark hour of fear and anxiety, we notice in verse one that he is singing God’s praises: “Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until this difficulty and burden have passed.” We may face different types of trials and sorrows that are filled with doubt and discouragement, but it comes down to us trusting Christ, adjusting our attitude, and then intentionally taking shelter in the safety and security of his love.
Maybe you were the one who was always selected last for games in gym class, or teased in the neighborhood, or someone spread a hurtful rumor about you that brought shame and anger.
Many individuals have a distant relationship with their parents or their children, which is very painful. Others have been betrayed by the one they loved and trusted and are deeply wounded to the core of their soul. Have you ever felt forgotten, rejected, alone, and unwanted? Emotional suffering can make us feel worthless and hopeless.
Maybe you were the one who made mistakes and hurt others, and you feel condemned: the list goes on. Whatever is attacking your conscience and trying to steal your joy, God wants you to know today that he’s here for you, he can transform, restore, protect, forgive, and lead you into the beautiful life he intended you to live.
God cares about you more than you can imagine. Even before you were in the womb, the Lord knew you and has never taken his eyes away from you. He knows every thought, sees every tear, and wants a personal relationship with you more than anything. The accuser of the brethren will try to remind us how the damage and consequences cannot be changed, but we can boldly remind the devil that our resentment and negative attitudes have been washed away. Micah 7:19, Isaiah 43:25, and Psalm 103:12 establish that through repentance our sins are gone forever. He now sees us as a new forgiven creation in Christ that can walk confidently in the power and divine truth of his grace and righteousness.
Take the time to make a list of everyone who has hurt and offended you in any way. If you are not able to speak to these individuals in person, lay your hand on their name and ask the Lord to help you sincerely forgive them.
Harboring bitterness toward anyone is the iniquity of omission. Since giving is associated with receiving, we can be assured that forgiving others allows us to be pardoned. Read the entire chapter of Romans 8, but listen carefully to these verses 35, 37-38. “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”