Sometimes, hurt comes flooding back . . . painful memories, regrets. The heart aches, you almost feel paralyzed. In those moments, it’s absolutely vital to reign in your thoughts and remember that every pain has purpose.
If you stop to dwell on the pain, you’ll feel stuck in it, and the enemy of your soul wins. But if you look up and out, and trust that in all things, God loves you and has a plan, you’ll be able to press on with hope!
As I pray this morning, I sense that someone out there needs to hear this and be encouraged. We probably all need to remember that our pain has purpose, and that God dearly loves us. Don’t look back, dear friend. In all things, especially the painful moments, let go of the past and look to God. Trust Him. Talk to Him. Follow his precepts (i.e. forgive). Believe that He loves you…
Then get going on your day, one foot in front of the other, keep looking ahead. Grab a hug from someone you love (person, doggie, kitty…) if you need a little encouragement. Also, hug on God. Cling to his promises. And never give up believing, dreaming, loving, laughing, living fully…
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12
“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:8-9
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.” Isaiah 43:18
I especially love the verses that come next . . .
“Behold, I am doing a new thing;
now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness
and rivers in the desert.
The wild beasts will honor me,
the jackals and the ostriches,
for I give water in the wilderness,
rivers in the desert,
to give drink to my chosen people,
the people whom I formed for myself.
that they might declare my praise.
Isaiah 43:19-21
