Have you ever heard the saying, “you can’t start the next chapter of your life if you keep re-reading the last one”? I find that there are many who want to go forward with their lives, but they keep holding onto all the past mistakes, loves, unfinished business, regrets, and maybe even things they should have settled with other people. If you’re someone who struggles with letting the past go, here’s what I want you to know: If you keep holding onto the past you will never move forward!
Sometimes letting go can be hard because of the pain you may feel or because of the thoughts that linger in your mind. But don’t keep reliving past mistakes. Don’t go through the situation and play it out in your mind over and over again. Why dwell on the subject and wonder why you did it? The situation has already happened – it is history. You can relive it as many times as you like but you can never change it.
So, what do you do? Accept that whatever happened, happened. Accept the fact that you cannot change anything about history. If you were hurt by someone, forgive them. Release them and move on with your life. If you’re having trouble forgiving, having a trusted friend pray with you and walk you through the process of healing and forgiveness.
Beloved, God wants to set you free from the bondage of your past. He desires for you to experience true joy and peace that comes only from Him. There’s freedom in Christ Jesus, and if you’d only believe you would receive. Beloved, God is doing a new thing, don’t you perceive it? (Isaiah 43:19a).
You are meant to live free. Totally free. If there’s unforgiveness lurking, festering, hurting you, will you consider allowing God to move into those broken and wounded places in this new month?
Angelisa is a Jesus enthusiast, Worship leader & Christian youth leader. She considers herself to be the old-fashioned type of girl who loves spicy food and belly bottom laughter. Among her passions are singing, working with children, and encouraging others.