Happy Juneteenth!
As you know, last week was a milestone in my grief journey as I crossed over the five-year mark. Something I have learned along the way is that rehearsing the past will not reverse the past, and it also cannot take us into our new life God has waiting for us.
This passage of scripture has been such a guide for what to focus on, for the Word says,
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
-Philippians 4:8 NKJV
This passage below also gives me a glimpse into what a new life in Christ should look, feel and sound like.
So with the wisdom given to me from the Lord I say: You should not live like the unbelievers around you who walk in their empty delusions. Their corrupted logic has been clouded because their hearts are so far from God—their blinded understanding and deep-seated moral darkness keeps them from the true knowledge of God. Because of spiritual apathy, they surrender their lives to lewdness, impurity, and sexual obsession. But this is not the way of life that Christ has unfolded within you. If you have really experienced the Anointed One, and heard his truth, it will be seen in your life; for we know that the ultimate reality is embodied in Jesus! And he has taught you to let go of the lifestyle of the ancient man, the old self-life, which was corrupted by sinful and deceitful desires that spring from delusions.
Now it’s time to be made new by every revelation that’s been given to you. And to be transformed as you embrace the glorious Christ-within as your new life and live in union with him! For God has re-created you all over again in his perfect righteousness, and you now belong to him in the realm of true holiness. So discard every form of dishonesty and lying so that you will be known as one who always speaks the truth, for we all belong to one another. But don’t let the passion of your emotions lead you to sin! Don’t let anger control you or be fuel for revenge, not for even a day. Don’t give the slanderous accuser, the Devil, an opportunity to manipulate you!
If any one of you has stolen from someone else, never do it again. Instead, be industrious, earning an honest living, and then you’ll have enough to bless those in need. And never let ugly or hateful words come from your mouth, but instead let your words become beautiful gifts that encourage others; do this by speaking words of grace to help them. The Holy Spirit of God has sealed you in Jesus Christ until you experience your full salvation. So never grieve the Spirit of God or take for granted his holy influence in your life. Lay aside bitter words, temper tantrums, revenge, profanity, and insults. But instead be kind and affectionate toward one another. Has God graciously forgiven you? Then graciously forgive one another in the depths of Christ’s love.
-Ephesians 4:17-32 TPT
So why do we keep rehearsing it when we can’t reverse it? It’s the only way to keep certain situations, and maybe people, alive. We recount memories to keep their memories alive. This can be a good thing, however if we never make new good memories, we get stuck in the loop of the old. Rehearsing the conversations of yesterday will not reverse the loss, and it doesn’t allow you to fully receive the joys of today. Today is all we have, and I have found that stepping into tomorrow takes us out being present in today. For, there is so much good to receive when we are present to not only experience it, but to perceive it. The Lord is always speaking, from road signs to butterflies. He is sending goodness our way.
I would love to hear some of the ways He speaks to you from the wonders of creation. When you share, it helps others know they are not crazy for feeling/experiencing the same. So, let’s start sharing.
Until next time,
Stay Tender
Connect to the Mender
Be a Sender ❤️🩹