Let Go of the Past

This is the 2nd part of a series about letting go of your past. You may want to go back and read, I am Free before reading this post.

After identifying the area that has kept you stuck and examining what God says about being free, the next step is often a rather difficult one.

2. Let Go of the Past
There is a warning in dwelling in the past

As soon as they had brought them out, one of them said, “Flee for your lives! Don’t look back, and don’t stop anywhere in the plain! Flee to the mountains or you will be swept away!” Genesis 19:17

But Lot’s wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt. Genesis 19:26

When you have been surrounded for so long by the weight of past chains it can be difficult to fully let go. 

These verses in Genesis give us some life changing pointers

• Flee-Remove yourself from situations, people and things that are part of the past chains, if you are not strong enough to resist them.
• Don't look back-Looking back says that you still are attached to the past. The future promises so much for you. Remember Lot's wife!
• Don't stop -Letting go is an active process! Keep going.

Practice these things or you will be swept away! Chained up once more!

It's time to Let go! 

Honestly ask yourself if the memories of your past mistakes or past hurts are hindering you from moving forward?  Are they keeping you from experiencing joy, trust and love? 

How long will you allow the past to haunt you? Stop hanging onto the chains! 

In trying to let go of my past I found that often I would give it to God and then I would pick it back up and try to fix it myself. A friend suggested that I try placing my hands palms down and asking God to take it from me. The hard part is not quickly closing my hands and grasping at the very things that I just gave to God.

Try this yourself while praying these verses.

Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:18

As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. I John 1:9

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. I John 1:9

For more info on what God promises if we dwell with Him Read Psalm 91. 

Father, every day it is a struggle for me to let go of the past. Everyday I struggle to give control to you to lead and to guide me. With hand extended palms down I give to you those memories, fears and struggles. Please take them and give to me the courage to let go and hold onto your promises instead.

Part of letting go is letting go of the bitterness! Bitterness vs forgiveness!

To be continued!