The moment you begin to pray, there is a flurry of thoughts in your mind that hinder you from being able to focus on me. (Calming My Restless Mind) You have memories that seem like they only happened yesterday but are decades old, holding you a prisoner in your mind. Those memories recall hurtful words you spoke to someone or something someone said about you.  Without healing your past, you remain forever trapped in the self-imposed prison of your mind.

Let me help you heal from the painful thoughts of your past — those rough spots where you still burn with anger toward those who abused you and the guilt you suffer from how you hurt loved ones. You have remorse about how you would’ve done things differently and how you never were able to tell your parents how much you loved them before they died.

When those thoughts and images appear in your mind, they reveal the unhealed areas in your life. You can heal from the hurt of what others did to you or the pain you caused. You can apologize and ask for forgiveness; if you took something from someone, you can offer to replace it and correct it. I know it’s not possible in every situation, but you can communicate with those who hurt you and how their behavior impacted you. They can learn, and you can learn how to interact and grow together and restore your relationship.

I know it’s tempting to retaliate when someone hurts you, but countering their actions with hostility increases the spiral of ever-increasing anger and counterattack. You become a victim twice over when you respond negatively.

It helps heal your past to hear my words about responding to troubled relationships and going the extra mile to reconcile.

“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First, go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.” MATHEW 5:23-24 NIV

I no longer want you to be consumed with guilt and to think your mistakes are unforgivable. No longer dwell on your failures and sins but upon my grace and forgiveness. (Don’t Judge Yourself too Harshly) Work to correct your shortcomings, learn to forgive yourself, and release everyone who hurt you. With time, you will discover that your mind will heal from the hurt from your past. Remember, the past is a memory and exists only in your mind. Let my love and peace transform your heart to heal your past.

Scriptures:

But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.” Luke 19:8 NIV

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