Proverbs 16:24 Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.
Quote: Forget what hurt you in the past. But never forget what it taught you.
Why do some people only focus on bad memories? The misery of continual existence within a memory of hurt and anger will eventually drain a person of life. These people will not have the capacity to recognize or enter into a blessing when it comes. Their vision will be skewed by the constant numbness of living in a hurt that cannot be fixed because the hurt is in the past. Living out of the past keeps the mess alive in this present day. Eccl. 1:9 What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.
How were so many of the survivors who came out of Nazi concentration-camps able to live a fulfilled life after such heinous crimes were committed against them? The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of South Africa, has brought a lot of healing of memories to their nation by exposing the evil that took place during apartheid. While confronting the perpetrators of apartheid, the survivors used open dialogue to express the horrific suffering and pain they went through. With honest, direct, and sometimes kind words of forgiveness, they were able to find healing for their hearts and lives. Prov. 16:24 Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.
The enemy of our soul will either keep reminding us of past hurts or future fears because he knows we will not live for God today when preoccupied with events we can do nothing about. By constantly reminding a person of their past hurts, the enemy will keep them bound to their past. When Satan exaggerates the anxiety for the future, again, the person remains paralyzed because the future is out of everyone’s control. We can make plans in life but we cannot plan life’s unveilings.
What is the secret within those who can move on after suffering some of the greatest traumas or violations experienced? The Apostle Paul was treated terribly on all counts. He was beaten physically, he was lied about, and he was chased out of town, yet, he was able to move forward. Phil. 3:13 No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead. Not only forgetting the past but forgiving the past will also free up a soul from the bondage of emotional captivity.
Many of my childhood memories are horrible, but I have been able to forgive the past because those terrible events are not the only memories that I have. I choose to be encouraged by the good memories of my life. I have allowed God to define who I am, rather than let hurtful memories define me. The bad times that I had are not my only memories. I venture to say the hurt in your life is not your only memory. Yes, we may have experienced some brutal and fearful injustices in our lives, but, if we really think about it, we have made a lot of good memories since. Therefore, we should focus on the good memories rather than the ones that can cripple a soul.
When a terrible or lousy memory comes sneaking into your thoughts, overlay it with a good one. When the enemy reminds me of the brutality that my father lashed out on me, I remember the kindness and love I gave my sons. When the enemy reminds me of my brother’s death, I remember the birth of my grandchildren. When the enemy reminds me of how he shut the churches down with a virus this year, I remember all the quality personal discipleship meetings, video ministry productions, a new book published, and many more blessings. So, I shout, “Thank you, Lord.” 1Thes. 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
Why can we overcome our horrible memories? Because those hurts are not our only memories. If you want to heal, then do what the word says to do. Phil. 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Think about these things!
My memories usually come to try to disrupt my sleep. I learned that if I say the Lord’s Prayer in my mind over and over, they go away and I go back to sleep! I instructed my daughters as children to sing “Jesus Loves Me” for the same purpose. We have Jesus within us ready to help! Great reminder today, Norm. Thank you!