Making A Visit

Do not call to mind the former things, or ponder things of the past. Behold, I will do something new. Now it will spring forth; will you not be aware of it? Isaiah 43:18 & 19

It is important to understand the purpose behind God's words. Some would look at this verse and conclude we are never to recall things that have happened to us in the past. They live with the mindset that their past does not matter, is not important, and is to stay buried. I certainly lived life that way for years.

That is until I came to realize how much of the healing in my present can only be accomplished as I go back and see where I have been wounded. What were the actions, attitudes, and words that shaped the way I think about myself, others, and God? As things happened to me, the enemy of my soul was more than ready to tell me what it all meant. For years, I bought his interpretations and story lines. I accepted the lies.

Part of my own healing process has come by revisiting the past and asking God to rewrite the messages of events and words. I have also had to ask Him to show me where He was when things happened to me. The pictures of Him standing close by have helped tremendously.
Once this process is complete and I have His message to embrace I am free to behold the new work He is doing in me. The goal is to deal thoroughly with the past so I can mentally, emotionally, and spiritually move forward. I will know this has taken place when there is a sense of release and freedom within.

When I refuse to go back and allow God to reveal and heal wounds, I simply allow infection to be sealed over with a scab. It is still there and it is still doing damage. The same is true of past sins. I must go back and allow Him to walk me through the process of receiving His forgiveness and cleansing. Then I can move forward. No more beating myself up over what He has dealt with.

Father, You are teaching me how to walk in freedom and how to embrace truth. Within Your classroom I am safe, secure, and settled. Amen.