Image "My Friend" by Helen Thomas Robson (Used by Permission)
Minimalism from a Biblical Point of View —

Biblical Minimalism is "a complete, whole-person release of anything unlike Jesus, a letting go of everything that hinders us from following Him wholeheartedly and single-mindedly, and a relinquishing of all that brings us under bondage to this earthly, very temporary life." Cheryl E. Smith

Wednesday, August 29, 2018

Clear Your Past So You Can Move Forward


The word "aftermath" means ~ the consequences or aftereffects of a significant unpleasant event.

If you and I were to meet at a quaint, little downtown cafe for coffee, find a quiet corner, sit down face-to-face, and I were to ask you, "What does the aftermath of your past look like?" what would you say?  I'm not talking about the good parts of your past or the precious memories you hold dear, but the aftermath—the consequent-baggage of significant unpleasant events that have happened to you.  How would you answer me if I were to ask you about it?

Would you tell me that you fear commitment because you were deeply wounded when you made yourself vulnerable?  Would you say that a toxic relationship has drained every good thing from your life?  Would you mention that an abusive father made you afraid to trust your Heavenly Father, a controlling mother causes you to fear to have children of your own, or a failed relationship left you too bruised to try again?  Would tears fill your eyes as you remorsefully recall the biggest mistake you ever made?  Would anger rise to the surface as you begin to think of the person you have never been able to forgive?

Or what if you were to invite me to your home and show me all your physical possessions, pointing out how each one of them makes you feel?  Would you tell me that the clutter is smothering your ability to breathe?  Would you say that you feel overwhelmed by all the excess?  Would there be moments we would take a pause next to certain belongings as a sense of morose negativity clouded our visit?

What exactly makes up the aftermath from your past?  It is worth thinking about, isn't it?

None of us want to live life looking backward, right?  All of us are broken by the pain of our past, but my friend, today is a new day.  Today is the day to forgive, to release, to surrender it all to the One who is the Healer.  He has an amazingly bright future ahead for each one of us, but we can't move forward if we are loaded down with old toxic relationships, nursing old wounds, clinging to old grudges, and holding on to physical possessions that we no longer want, need, use, or enjoy.

"Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."  Philippians 3:13,14  (KJV)

It is time to let go of the old and embrace the new, leave the past where it happened, and clear everything from our lives that its aftermath has left behind.  I'm ready, how about you?

8 comments:

  1. As always dear Cheryl I enjoy reading your posts. I hope that you have a wonderful day. Thank you for your precious words on my blog about my family. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

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    1. Oh, you are so welcome, sweet friend. You and your blog are a special blessing to me! Thank you for every kind comment you have ever left here and at Homespun Devotions, also. They have each one meant so much to me. Sending hugs and blessings to you, too!

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  2. Thank you so much for this blogpost about emotional health. It is time to let go of the old and embrace the new. It can paralyze me. Thoughts of the past. I have learned a lot from my psychologist, like: Thoughts Are Not Facts. So thankful for GOD. I can fully trust Him. He makes all things new. Today I've read this: God is going to make us spiritually and morally new and glorious. How nice is that.

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    1. Oh, my, I surely know what you mean. The past can truly be paralyzing and preventative to our moving forward. I think of the Apostle Paul when he wrote those words. I wonder if he was thinking back upon his time when he persecuted the Christians. Can you imagine the images that were in his mind as he recalled the brutality toward them? Yes, praise God, He does make all things new, and He is able to give us a clean slate as we move forward in our faith in Him. Thank you ever so much for your sweet visit and kind words, Aritha. Your support is so appreciated!

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  3. Dear Cheryl, all of your posts are so inspiring but I have to say that this one struck close to my heart; it was like you were speaking directly to me. Yes, we all have things in our past that are weighing us down and the words in your post should be a wake-up call to everyone that we can let these unhealthy feelings "go" and strive to start a new life. It is never too late to start over again! You are indeed a blessing to all your readers. I'm honored to call you my special friend.

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    1. Thank you ever so much for your dear words of encouragement, my friend! You are surely special to my heart, and I am so grateful for you. May the Lord bless you as you let go of the past and move forward. He is SO faithful! Sending love and hugs your way!

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  4. Hi Cheryl, your post is so timely for me. I am hanging onto one or (many) hurts by a certain person and it has been bringing me down. First, I had to figure out why because I believed I had forgiven this person, so why does she bother me so much still? (especially as she is a believer now too)... I messaged a friend and told her my feelings and she helped me figure out, that I have to deal with the hurt in order for me to no longer be concerned with what this woman does or does not do. I felt relieved because I know I have forgiven, I know now I must work on letting God heal the hurt, so I can let her go, and not be impacted by anything she does.
    Lonnnnng comment to say, awesome post :)
    God bless
    Tracy

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    1. Bless your dear heart, Tracy. I surely understand your pain and have suffered through similar things. May God send the solace you need, my friend. Praying for you, and SO very thankful for your friendship and support. God bless you abundantly.

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