Day 5: Letting Go of the Past
Scripture:
Isaiah 43:18-19 – "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!"
There are days when it feels impossible to let go. Even when everything seems to be going well, a familiar name or a place can trigger that sudden, sinking feeling in your stomach—the kind of pain that brings tears without warning. I’ve been there: one minute I'm having a great day, and the next, I'm caught off guard by a memory that breaks through the facade, reminding me of all that hurt.
For years, I held onto those memories, thinking that by keeping them close, I was protecting myself. But I soon learned that holding onto the past only gave it more control over my life. It was a constant reminder of the moments that broke me—chronic pain, depression, anxiety, early menopause symptoms, and neurological challenges that left me feeling raw and exposed. I had to make a choice: continue to let those memories define me, or trust that God was doing something new.
With the support of a caring therapist and my holistic healing team, I began to understand that I didn't have to carry that weight forever. I started praying for the Lord to heal the deep wounds and help me release the past. Slowly, I learned that the act of letting go was not about forgetting, but about reclaiming my power and allowing God to fill the space with hope and renewal.
Healing Practice: The Release Prayer
Today, I invite you to join me in a simple yet transformative exercise called "The Release Prayer." It’s my way of physically and spiritually letting go of the past.
Hold Your Past:
Stand or sit comfortably, and imagine holding all those painful memories in your hands. Picture them as tangible weights you’ve been carrying for too long.Release:
Slowly open your hands wide, as if you’re gently letting go of everything that has hurt you. As you do this, say out loud, "God, I release this to You. I trust You to make all things new."
Repeat these words until you begin to feel lighter, until you truly believe that God is taking your burdens and transforming them into something new.Feel the Freedom:
Allow yourself a moment to feel the freedom that comes with letting go. This is your first step toward embracing the new things God is already doing in your life.
Letting go of the past isn’t easy. It takes courage to release the memories that have defined us for so long. But every time you choose to let go, you create space for God’s healing to flow in. I’ve learned that while the triggers may still come from time to time, I no longer have to let them dictate my day or my destiny. Instead, I trust that God is working behind the scenes, turning even the deepest hurts into a foundation for new beginnings.
Keep moving forward, one prayer, one release at a time. Remember, God is doing something new—something beautiful—with your life.