INTRODUCTION
For quite some time, I've been experiencing issues with several of my devices, especially my laptop. I got the old "memory full" message and was wrecked. So, I head over to my messages and start deleting them. As I deleted a few pics, threads, GIFs, etc., I hear Holy Spirit say, "delete them all". Well, I was intentionally and carefully selecting which messages to delete because I wanted to keep a few of them in case I needed PROOF to show someone where they'd wronged me, mistreated me or crossed a boundary with me. I then heard, "Delete them all."
The tantrum with The Lord went into full effect. Of course, there's a moment of plausible deniability where I ask Him to confirm. Certainly, He didn't mean all of them. I heard it again, "Delete them all." As tears filled my eyes and my pride accepted defeat, I deleted every message thread six months and older. After I was done, all the hardware and software began functioning as designed. There were no issues with saving files or performing software upgrades. I learned a valuable lesson I'd like to share with you.
In a world filled with distractions and clutter, the concept of letting go holds profound significance, especially in the context of our journey with Christ. Just as outdated technology can bog us down, clinging to our past mistakes, regrets, and hurts can hinder our spiritual growth and prevent us from receiving the abundant blessings God has in store for us. In this comprehensive article, we delve deep into the transformative power of letting go, particularly as new creations in Jesus Christ. We explore the teachings of Jesus and the Apostle Paul on this crucial subject, address the challenges of dealing with hurts and tribulations, discuss the importance of healing and forgiveness, and provide practical steps for letting go.
The Power of Letting Go
1. Becoming New Creations in Christ
Upon accepting Jesus as our Savior, we experience a profound transformation. We become new creations in Jesus Christ, and this transformation goes beyond just us believing in Him; it encompasses surrendering our will and desires to His perfect plan. It involves making Jesus the Lord over our lives, allowing Him to take the helm, and steering us towards a life filled with purpose and fulfillment.
Imagine a person who once battled addiction. When they surrender their life to God, they break free from the chains of their past mistakes. Addiction no longer defines them; instead, they are empowered to live a life in accordance with God's purpose. Letting go of their former life allows them to embrace a new identity in Christ.
2. What Jesus and Paul said about Letting Go
Jesus and Paul both emphasize the importance of letting go of our past. In Matthew 9:61, Jesus says, "No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God." This verse reminds us that we cannot move forward if we are constantly dwelling on what lies behind us. Similarly, Paul writes in Philippians 3:13-14, "But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."
Many Christians find themselves bound by their past and unable to fully live in the present. They may be plagued by guilt, shame, or regret, preventing them from embracing the abundant life God offers. However, when we choose to let go of the past and focus on the present and future, we open ourselves up to the blessings and opportunities God has in store for us.
3. Dealing with Hurt and Tribulation
We live in a fallen and cursed world, which means we will inevitably experience hurt and tribulations. However, as followers of Jesus Christ, we have the privilege and responsibility of becoming good soldiers and putting on the armor of God. This involves equipping ourselves with the truth of God's Word, prayer, and reliance on Holy Spirit.
If a person has been deeply wounded by a past betrayal they may struggle with trust and find it difficult to form healthy relationships. However, by surrendering their pain to God and putting on the armor of God, they can find healing and restoration. Through the power of God's love and grace, they can overcome their past hurts and step into a future filled with hope and purpose.
4. Healing and Forgiveness
God desires to set us free from the chains of our past and heal us from past hurts and trauma. However, in order to experience this healing, we must fully forgive those who have wronged us. Forgiveness is not a one-time event but a process that may require ongoing surrender and release.
Let's consider someone who has been deeply wounded by an abusive parent. In order to be healed and move forward, they must choose to forgive their parent and release the bitterness and resentment they have been carrying. As they extend forgiveness, they open themselves up to receive God's healing and restoration.
Furthermore, God may take us back in our memory to teach us and show us His presence in our past. He can redeem even the most painful experiences and use them for our good and His glory.
Practical Steps for Letting Go
Letting go of the past is a choice and a necessary step to fulfill God's plan for our lives. We all have baggage, but we must learn to let go of the bad things. This involves identifying the negative emotions, beliefs, and behaviors that are holding us back and consciously choosing to release them to God.
Consider your own journey. Are you someone who has been carrying the weight of past failures and mistakes? If so, you may fear trying new things or taking risks because of the fear of repeating past errors. However, by acknowledging these fears and intentionally surrendering them to God, you can break free from the limitations of your past and step into a future filled with divine opportunities.
God is always ready and willing to help us heal from our past hurts and distortions if we are willing to surrender to Him. By seeking His guidance, spending time in prayer and meditation on His Word, and surrounding ourselves with a supportive community, we can experience the fullness and freedom of letting go.
Engaging in regular prayer, meditation, and study of the Scriptures is key to spiritual growth. Experiencing the power of releasing past baggage can lead to increased peace, joy, and fulfillment in our lives.
Embracing God's Will for Healing
1. The Process of Letting Go
Letting go of the past and embracing God's will is a process that requires effort and patience. It is not a one-time event but an ongoing journey of surrender and trust. Letting go does not mean ignoring or running away from our past; rather, it means acknowledging it and making a conscious choice to release its hold on us.
For those who have experienced traumatic events they may need additional support with the process of letting go such as professional help, therapy, or joining a support group to address the deep wounds and emotional scars. Through this process, they can gradually let go of the pain and find healing and restoration.
2. Healing From Past Trauma
Healing from past trauma involves addressing not only the actions of others but also our own reactions and perceptions. It is important to identify where we are stuck in order to move forward. This may involve examining our beliefs, thought patterns, and behaviors that have been influenced by our past experiences.
For instance, someone who has been impacted by childhood abuse may have developed a negative self-image and struggle with feelings of worthlessness and shame. Through prayer, meditating on the Word of God and having a sound support system, they can be empowered to challenge these distorted beliefs and replace them with the truth of God's love and acceptance.
In the healing process, forgiving and loving ourselves are essential. We must extend the same grace and compassion to ourselves that God offers us. By embracing our own worth and value, we can experience true healing and restoration.
3. Seeking God's Help and Trusting in His Timing
The sacrament of Reconciliation and an active prayer life can aid in the healing journey of letting go of the past. Confessing our sins and receiving God's forgiveness brings about a deep sense of cleansing and renewal. Through prayer, we can pour out our hearts to God, seek His guidance, and find comfort and strength in His presence.
Healing takes time and requires rest and patience. We must trust in God's timing and allow Him to work within us. It is important to remember that God is not bound by time and has a perfect plan for our lives. As we surrender to Him and align ourselves with His will, we can experience the deepest freedom and joy we've ever had in life.
The deepest freedom comes from truly knowing God's love in our hearts. When we let go of the past and embrace His love, we are set free from the chains that have held us back. We can experience the abundant life that God has promised us and fulfill our divine purpose. We are able to know this when we focus on seeking Him above all else.
Conclusion
Letting go of the past is a powerful practice that allows us to not only make room for what God wants to give us but it brings us into alignment to get us back operating as He designed us to. It's not always easy, but it is worth it for our spiritual growth and development. By choosing to let go, seeking healing, and embracing God's will, we open ourselves up to a future filled with hope, purpose, and fulfillment.
May we all have the courage and faith to let go of the past and embrace the abundant life that God has prepared for us.
In His Love & Boldness,
❤️Teacher Nina