Forgiveness isn’t easy, especially when the pain feels so deep. However, holding onto past hurts is like carrying around a weight that God never intended for us to bear. Here’s what God says about wanting to do something new in our lives:

“But forget all that—it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.” - Isaiah 43:18-19 NLT

God is not asking us to pretend that the pain didn’t happen, but He is asking us to trust Him with it and what He will do in our futures. Forgiveness doesn’t mean that you’re excusing what happened, but here’s what it does mean:

Choosing freedom over bitterness.

Sure, you can be “free” from a situation and still carry bitterness from it--but why would you want that when you can be totally free? When we choose freedom, we choose the freedom that sets free every part of who we are, where we can live, laugh, think, and love freely.

Choosing peace over pain.

We have a choice to make when it comes to experiencing peace or pain. Sometimes, the pain is there, and we can’t make it go away. However, other times, the pain is there, and we can choose peace over pain by refusing to replay past hurts in our minds. Today, choose peace. Instead of dwelling on the past, focus on things that bring peace, such as meditating on Scripture or listening to worship music.

Trusting God with the pieces of your heart.

God can handle your brokenness. This idea that we have to have it all together before we go to God? So wrong! God invites us just as we are, so if your heart is broken, bring the pieces to Him. He not only can handle them with care but can also put them back together to form something beautiful.

Let’s release past hurts together. What are you surrendering to God today?

Follow us on social media @renewed_counseling for more tips on forgiveness and healthy living.