Ashes to Amethyst: Unearthing the Jewel WithinSample

Depending on what your life was like in the past, it may be hard to let go of people, places, and things. Mistakes, trauma, and heartache all have a way of sticking around for an encore to remind you of what you did, said, or experienced. Not only does God provide forgiveness for our past mistakes, but He also offers healing from the bad memories and effects. Here are a few practical steps to make the leap of faith toward healing.

1. Forgive yourself and those who may have harmed you. It sounds much easier said than done, but forgiveness starts in your heart with a willingness to do so. Even the most minor step towards the goal is better than holding on to the pain of unforgiveness.
2. Ask the Holy Spirit to prepare your heart for what is ahead of you and release your mind from what you continue to reflect on. You cannot do this on your own. Memories may linger for years and can provide fertile ground for the enemy to continue to damage your soul. That is why you need the Holy Spirit to help you dig out the roots of bitterness, anger, and pain.
3. Throw away old things related to your past that remind you of the negative experiences or people you've encountered. Although the items you keep might have some monetary value, keeping them won't add to your healing process. It is especially helpful when getting healed from old romantic relationships and attachments.
4. Do the work and watch the rewards come your way. Doing the work means keeping focused on the things that bring health and healing to your soul, like journaling, seeing a counselor, inner healing or deliverance minister, having hard conversations with those you need to ask forgiveness from or forgive, practicing self-care and self-love, etc. As you walk the road toward healing, you will see and feel a change in your spirit, body, and soul.

Today, release the burdens of your past and move forward with hope. God calls us to let go of what's behind us and reach for His purpose.

Prayer:

Lord, help me release the weight of my past and embrace the future You have prepared for me. Please grant me the strength to press on toward Your call. In Jesus' name. Amen.