Are you trying to leave your problems in the past? I have a better idea. Do you know why? Your history is part of you, there’s no way you can leave your past behind you. But don’t despair. I really do have a better idea. Something that works time after time. Namely facing your problems, sins, any kind of emotional wounds with Jesus. With the words of Francis Frangipane “For the past cannot be forgotten, it can only be forgiven and redeemed.”

There’s nothing Jesus can’t heal, nothing.
There’s no one Jesus can’t redeem.

What do do then? How to deal with the past? Bring you wounds and scars and sins and baggage to Jesus. Dump the load at the foot of the cross and ask for help. Whether you’re suffering from your own sins or you’ve been wounded by others, you need Jesus. Healing comes when we receive grace upon grace.

But if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from everything we’ve done wrong. (John 1:9, CEB)

By his wounds you were healed. (1 Peter 2:24b, CEB)

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds [curing their pains and their sorrows].
(Psalm 147:3, AMP)

Just remember to leave your baggage at the cross. Don’t pick it up again. Jesus has carried all of it on the cross. It’s finished. Let Jesus deal with the past. If you still carry around regrets, give also them to the Lord. Whatever your problem is, give it to Jesus. He can help you. Jesus will create beautiful things of the broken heart of yours. Just give him all the pieces.

 

Gracious God,
I gladly give you my junk.
Do you really give me grace and joy in return?
Thank you.
Forgive me my sins, Lord.
Redeem me, Lord.
Cleanse me, Lord.
Heal me, Lord.
Restore me, Lord.
Enable me to love and trust again.
Empower me to live boldly for you.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen

Q4U: How do you deal with the past?

Be blessed, my fellow pilgrim, as you leave your sins and troubles at the foot of the cross!

Image courtesy of Mari-Anna Stålnacke. Linking up today with Unite the Bloggersphere and #tellhisstory.