Conquering Painful Memories
Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. I Peter 2;24 (KJV) emphasis mine
Emotions can be a blessing, and, at times, they can be the opposite. We all experience painful memories, but we don’t have to live with them for the rest of our lives. People who dwell on painful memories are emotionally crippled and bound. We can get free from them and live a life of peace and joy. It is not God’s will for His children to be imprisoned by bad memories, no matter what has happened. There is healing, and there is hope in Jesus. We can be free and live again.
Step 1: Receive the Healer.
We must let Jesus heal us, and the first step is to receive Him and His healing. Only His love and touch can bring true healing to us. Come to Him daily in His Word, prayer, and His presence. Receive from Him a fresh filling and a fresh touch. He will work with us until we’re finally whole and memories of the past no longer pain us. Be patient and let Jesus walk you through the process. Each day spent with Jesus brings you closer to wholeness. Especially when man cannot help, Jesus knows exactly what to do. He knows and He understands because He’s been there. What He’s started in you, He will finish it (Philippians 1:6). Don’t resist Him, but receive the love you need to be healed and whole.
Step 2: Resist bad memories.
Once Jesus has set us free from bad memories, the devil will try to bring them back. He’ll replay them in your mind like a movie. Resist the thoughts he tries to bring by casting them down with your words. Give them no place in your thought life. Read the Bible to renew your mind to God’s way of thinking. Bad, negative, or painful thoughts are not from God. Open up your mouth and say, “Bad thoughts, leave in Jesus’ name.” Tell God, “I receive your good thoughts.” As we do this consistently, we allow God to heal bad memories and the emotions that come with them.
Step 3: Rest in Christ’s finished work.
Your healing has already been paid for by Christ when He gave His life on the cross and shed His blood. Apply the blood to your mind and your memories by confessing what the blood has accomplished. It has purchased your salvation, and all that is part of your salvation: healing, deliverance, freedom, protection, etc. Don’t struggle to be healed, but believe you were already healed and rest in that healing. Trust God- He will finish what He started in you. He is faithful and well able to do so. We can rest in what He has already done for us. We don’t have to struggle because the work has already been completed. We can rest in the fact that Jesus has healed each and every memory. He will walk with us, and we’ll look back and the memories will not be gone, but the pain and other negative feelings they brought will be.
