RELEASE PAST PAIN
"Though You have made me see troubles, many and bitter, You will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth You will again bring me up."
Recently I came across a woman who was full of bitterness. She had deep hurt and anger going back for many years, and even though she was a Christian, it was still poisoning her life. It reminded me of when the Israelites came to Marah, where they could not drink the water because it was bitter. Bitterness is like poison, hard to stomach.
We all feel betrayed at times by those around us, or even by God Himself. Like you, I've been deeply hurt many times. When we're hit with illness or disability, the ensuing emotional pain can become deep-rooted and turn us into angry, bitter people. This does nothing for relationships, and turns people away.
Paul instructed us to get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger. Jesus said, "If you hold anything against anyone, forgive him", and when Peter asked, "LORD, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?" Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times".
We must choose to forgive. This isn't easy, and may not happen immediately. Sometimes we can't manage it by ourselves, and have to ask God to help us. Each time the hurt feelings threaten us once more, we make that choice once again to forgive, and forgive, and forgive.
Dear friend, if you're hurting like this today, choose to leave the past behind you, forgive the offenders, and move forward into the future your loving Lord has for you. You may never forget what has happened to you, but the pain and grief will diminish in time. I realize with wonder that I no longer feel pain when looking back to things that occurred in my past. My Lord has healed me by His wonderful grace, and restored me to a whole new life of peace and hope for the future.
by Janice McLaren
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Janice McLaren is a mother and grandmother who lives by herself in the beautiful South Island of New Zealand, where she has lived with severe chronic illness and pain for many years.
