Peace Family, are there fears in your life that are holding you back from an abundant life? What about untrue beliefs or “lessons”?
I recently got a new housemate, and have also been making some new friends, and both of these circumstances have brought my attention to how our pasts can condition us to hold onto unhealthy, even untrue “lessons” that we’ve learned through the ways we were treated during our formative years.
I recently found myself in an uncomfortable situation with a new friend, where I felt like I could not express my opinion or my needs, specifically, feeling like I had to talk or join activities when I had other commitments, or after I already needed to be asleep or resting. It got worse and worse, and I got more and more stressed, even a little cross, until I finally expressed myself, and then it turned out that the other person wished I would have just said something before it blew up. Meanwhile, my roommate had a whole loaf of bread that was a little moldy on one corner, and we both had noted the little bit of mold on it, but she left it in the pantry until I found it yesterday, hidden and totally covered with mold. When I asked her if I could throw it away, she told me that she felt silly, but she had been afraid that I would think she was wasteful if she threw it away in front of me.
Both my roommate and I had some harmful things in our pasts that make it easier for us to fall into these specific types of situations. Both of these problems weren’t lethal, but they definitely weren’t indicative of a true, victorious life in Christ. They both stem out of fear and insecurity; my roommate and I both felt like we had to please other people, even in unreasonable ways (that the other person wasn’t even necessarily expecting of us!), because we were afraid of losing affection or getting a negative reaction. Instead, we can be reassured in our value and how much God loves us!
Peace Family, are there any untrue beliefs or “lessons” that you are believing and obeying, instead of embracing the truth and freedom that you have in Christ? Think through the kinds of conflict situations that arise in your life. Are you holding onto untrue beliefs from the past that are negatively affecting how you perceive and react to the present?
Peace Family, we don’t need to live that way. Isaiah 61:1 says that Jesus was sent, “…to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.” That includes you! We can claim that freedom for ourselves! Claim it today. Take some time to think about harmful beliefs and “lessons” that don’t match up with what God says, and relinquish those to Him today. Maybe even discuss your findings with a trusted friend who can hold you accountable. May you walk forth in newfound freedom!
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