Let Go The Pain Of The Past

LET GO THE PAIN OF THE PAST

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Philippians 3:13-14

Supporting Texts: Isaiah 43:18-19, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Genesis 50:20, Luke 9:62, Romans 8:28

INTRODUCTION:

Pain from the past can be one of the greatest hindrances to forward movement in life. Emotional wounds, betrayal, failures, disappointments, or trauma can create deep scars that keep many bound in bitterness, regret, and fear. However, God’s desire for His children is not to live in yesterday’s sorrow, but to press into the glorious future He has planned.

Holding onto past pain keeps people stagnant and spiritually crippled. It robs them of joy, distorts their vision, and limits their potential. While it is human to feel hurt, it is divine to rise above it. God is calling His people to let go and trust Him for restoration, healing, and new beginnings.

Letting go doesn’t mean forgetting what happened—it means releasing its hold over your present. It means choosing healing over hatred, peace over pain, and faith over fear. Only then can you walk into the fullness of your destiny.

1. WHY YOU MUST LET GO OF THE PAST

a) It hinders your spiritual growth (Hebrews 12:1):

Carrying emotional baggage weighs down your ability to run the race of faith effectively.

b) It blinds you to future possibilities (Isaiah 43:18–19):

Focusing on the past prevents you from seeing the new things God wants to do in your life.

c) It opens doors to bitterness and unforgiveness (Ephesians 4:31–32):

Bitterness defiles your spirit and poisons your relationships.

d) It keeps you in a cycle of self-pity and defeat (Romans 8:37):

You are more than a conqueror through Christ; don't live like a victim.

Biblical Example: Joseph let go of the betrayal of his brothers and rose to forgive and restore them (Genesis 50:20).

2. HOW TO LET GO OF THE PAIN

a) Acknowledge the hurt but surrender it to God (1 Peter 5:7):

God invites you to cast your cares, including emotional wounds, on Him.

b) Receive healing through the Word and the Holy Spirit (Psalm 147:3):

God heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds.

c) Choose to forgive even when it is difficult (Matthew 6:14–15):

Forgiveness releases you from your own prison, even if the offender never apologises.

d) Focus on your identity in Christ, not your past experiences (2 Corinthians 5:17):

You are a new creation—old things have passed away.

Biblical Example: The woman caught in adultery was forgiven by Jesus and given a new beginning (John 8:10–11).

3. SIGNS YOU HAVE NOT LET GO

a) You constantly replay the hurt in your mind (Philippians 4:8):

An unforgiven wound remains a fresh wound.

b) You find it hard to trust others again (Proverbs 3:5):

Mistrust born from past pain can hinder future connections.

c) You speak often with bitterness or regret (James 3:10–11):

Your words reveal what’s still lingering in your heart.

d) You avoid progress because of fear of being hurt again (2 Timothy 1:7):

Pain must not become the excuse for stagnation.

Biblical Example: Lot's wife looked back and turned to salt—because her heart was still in the past (Genesis 19:26).

4. THE BLESSINGS OF LETTING GO

a) You experience inner peace and joy (John 14:27):

True peace comes when you surrender your wounds to Jesus.

b) You open your life to God’s new beginnings (Isaiah 43:19):

Letting go clears the way for divine breakthroughs.

c) You develop maturity and compassion for others (2 Corinthians 1:3–4):

Your healing journey becomes a source of help to others.

d) You become usable for God’s higher purposes (Romans 8:28):

God uses your healed pain as a platform for ministry.

Biblical Example: Paul let go of his past as a persecutor and became a mighty apostle (Philippians 3:13–14).

CONCLUSION:

The pain of the past is real, but it must not define your future. God is calling you to release the weight of yesterday and embrace the freedom of today. As long as you hold on to the pain, you will miss the beauty of what God is doing now and what He intends to do next.

Don’t allow past wounds to rob you of present peace and future purpose. Through Christ, healing is possible. Through forgiveness, peace is attainable. Let go—and let God write a new chapter in your life.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Lord, heal every hidden wound in my heart.

2. Father, I release everyone who has hurt me into Your hands.

3. Lord Jesus, break the power of painful memories over my life.

4. Holy Spirit, help me to forgive and move forward.

5. Every root of bitterness in me, be uprooted by fire.

6. I receive strength to overcome my past and embrace my future.

7. Lord, restore all that pain has stolen from me.

8. Lord, grant me freedom from every emotional bondage.

9. Lord, make me whole again in my spirit, soul, and body.

10. I walk into a new season of peace and restoration.