Coming to Terms with the Past

 “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past…”.  Isaiah 43:18,19
My 2021 Verse

For thirteen months, I was stuck in the “dwelling” place, the place of unforgiveness and sadness.  How about for you?  Like me, were you abandoned and rejected?  Were or are you still discouraged and bitter, full of disappointment?  It doesn’t have to be that way.

How was I able to transition from dwelling in the past to coming to terms with my past?  There is a big difference.  Yet you cannot suppress your negative emotions from your traumatic experiences either.

I have learned it is by forgiving and forgetting completely.  This is much easier said than done.  This is the hard road for most of us, not the path of least resistant, but the unnatural path.  However, with the “Not Guilty” verdict from God and His magnificent grace and mercy, I was able to find forgiveness and forgetfulness in His arms.  He forgave me; therefore, I was able to ask forgiveness of others.  Then I said the impossible words, “I forgive you because He forgave me.” I was able to release the burden of guilt and shame over to our precious Jesus.  Was the other person absolved of their crimes?  Of course not.  But I gave their justice and punishment over to the Lord.  The hurtful individual(s) is no longer in control of me.  Unforgiveness gives them control.  Forgiveness gives me back my joy.

Jesus gives us the command, “Forgive those that trespass against us.”  Notice this is not prequalified with “When you are ready”.  Not even 7 times, but 70 x 7 times, you must forgive.  He knows by speaking the truth (preferably out loud), forgiveness will happen in your bones eventually.  From the first day of my traumatic experience the Lord said, “I’ve got this, give them over to me.”  After deep insights from The Bible into His awesome character and understanding, He is trustworthy and faithful.   I was able to finally let go.  I am now free from the bondage and chains that held me for those thirteen months.

You too can be free in the Lord.  Say the three words.  I forgive __(who)____.
 
All things new yet again...Isaiah 43:18, 19

Now I pray for my enemy's salvation as I forgiven them and forgotten their trespasses against me.  What they meant to hurt me with, the Lord means for good!

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