Stepping Forward, not back.
Stand with me and lift your bible and repeat after me.
This is my Bible.
I am what it says I am.
I can do what it says I can do.
I am going to learn how to be what it says I can be.
Today I will learn more of the word of God.
The indestructible, never ending, living word Of God.
I will never be the same.
I will never be the same.
In Jesus Name
Amen?
Before you sit down, say good morning to your brothers and sisters.
Stepping forward, not back.
With all that is going on in our world today, have you ever thought about what it would be like to go back a year or two with what you and I know now?
I have.
We could make a few changes.
The past is what makes us who we are today though.
Our past shapes our present and helps us identify who we are and where we are headed.
So, it’s natural to use our past experiences as a point of reference for our current situation. The choices we make for ourselves today are often influenced by our past. If we are using healthy judgment to guide our choices, then we can use past regrets, mistakes, and pain to be used as markers for what we do not want in our lives.
However, for some of us, the past is not seen as a place of reflection but as a destination. For those who struggle with letting go of past pain or regret, they can feel trapped by their situation and unable to move forward in their lives.
But there is a solution to this.
It is called faith.
Romans 10:17 says, “Then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God”
We can go and look for all kinds of answers to help us through the pain of life, but the best solution and the only real one is our faith.
If we look back at what we have seen in the Word of God, we see many in the Bible that tried to do things on their own but the ones we have learned from the most are those who walked in faith.
Abraham.
Moses.
David.
Ruth.
Isaiah.
John the Baptist.
Peter
James
John
To name a few.
The pain in our past and in our present life has a way of making us feel stuck. In times of emotional pain, we may find ourselves thinking back to when we felt happier which can help motivate us in the present.
For example, if in the past we were proud of an accomplishment we achieved, thinking of our past success can help motivate us in moving forward in life now.
Looking back and remembering our past positive experiences can be a healthy option for setting goals or in building optimal habits as we focus on our future. While a little reflection can be healthy and foster creativity, too much reflection or ruminating on past negative experiences can drift into obsession and lead to feeling stuck.
That is where our faith comes in to help us through the trials of the day.
Remembering the past and seeing the Lord at work in our lives is something that we need to put as the best habit to have.
The pain and regret from the past is not going to be able to be changed.
Our past experiences can affect our current mindset and our choices in how we interpret our lives. If pain or trauma has been experienced in our past, it can impact how we view our current circumstances or even prevent us from living in the present.
Existing research suggests how past-negative experiences are often associated with increased incidences of anxiety, depression, impulsivity, low self-esteem and poor choices. For example, if we have suffered betrayal from a loved one in a romantic or familial relationship, we may re-live the traumatic experience as it replays in our mind.
Certain smells, foods, places or songs may “trigger” re-experiencing the pain, which often results in trying to push away the intrusive thoughts and feelings. This can lead to other symptoms including social isolation, distrust in others, self-sabotaging behavior and an inability to move ahead in our lives. In other words, still living in the past.
However, we can also ask and receive from the Lord in our daily walk, the new life that He promised and gave us when we put Him at the center of our daily living.
When we take the step to have a true relationship with Jesus Christ, the past is something we can fall back on as a learning experience to get us in the direction that He has for us in life.
But a true relationship with Him changes each aspect of our lives if we put Him first.
Healing from past pain or traumatic experiences is not something that happens overnight. It is a process that requires patience, dedication and a commitment to change. Humans are wired for wanting to feel good and to minimize feeling bad, which often triggers self-sabotaging behavior in an attempt to avoid pain. When we experience a painful event such as betrayal or other traumatic experiences, it can rewire us for self-preservation. We may live in “fight or flight” mode, constantly anticipating more pain in our lives which can be unconsciously welcomed through our actions.
Or we can put the past in the past and live with and for Christ.
Here are some tips for learning to live in the present:
Establish boundaries. This can mean something different for everyone, but the main point is to give yourself time to heal and to move ahead at your own pace. For many, establishing boundaries may include being more selective about who we welcome into our lives and who we dismiss. With boundaries, consistency is key in helping let go of the past and living in the present. Step forward not back.
Acceptance. The past is a done-deal. We can’t change it. And being stuck in the past is only hurting our potential in the present. By accepting that the past is over, it allows us to grieve and to release the pain that we may have been carrying with us. Be honest with yourself in your acceptance and take the time you need to grieve. Just don’t do it alone. Do it with Jesus.
Isaiah 41:10 says, “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
Practice Mindfulness. The practice of mindfulness is about teaching ourselves how to stay in the present and to calm our mind when experiencing emotional triggers. Research supports the use of mindfulness as part of a comprehensive program in healing from trauma, depression or PTSD.
Spend quiet time with the Lord each day.
Have a Reset Button. We are human, and that means we are perfectly imperfect. As with any new skill, they take time to develop and master. Be kind to yourself if you slip up or find yourself reliving the past or reverting back to old behavior patterns. Use the reset button to help you gauge where you are in your personal development.
Work on developing new habits to move on in life.
Read the Bible.
Serve others and be a light in our dark world.
Disconnect. Balance is key when working on self-improvement. Being okay with disconnecting from social media or from friends or family for a while as you work on healing is about self-care. When we are alone, we are able to get to know ourselves and give ourselves the attention and love we need to stop living in the past. Spend some quiet time with Him each day. Not just praying but listening.
Each day is a new day in our lives. The old has passed and the new is on its way.
If you are not sure about how to do this, now might be a good time to take the step to do that.
Please close your eyes, bow your head and pray this with me to the Lord.
