Moving into the Future

There is a process that leads to resolution. The Bible offers this guideline: “He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; he who cherishes understanding prospers” (Proverbs 19:8). You have moved beyond painful events in the past, when they no longer have any power and control over you. The following resolution concepts will help you move beyond walls that are blocking your future.

Examination: Take an honest look at your patterns you have developed and become a student of your own life. By looking at your life objectively, you can develop a plan that helps to stop the unhealthy reactions you usually have when things get uncomfortable. Look for the places that hold the most negative emotions like anger, fear and guilt, and what is behind those emotions. Resolving your issues is much easier than dealing with the consequences of failing to resolve them. (See Psalm 139:23).

Openness and confession: In order to get out from behind walls, we need to risk becoming open about the struggles we are going through. We also need to confess the sins we are committing. Openness provides an outlet to shame and stops it from adding up. Confession means we do not have to carry the shame with us. (See James 5:16).

Living in the present: Whatever happened in the past is over and done with. Begin to focus on what’s going on with you now like the good things in your life and the opportunities before you. (See Psalm 128:1-6, and Matthew 6:23-34).

Choosing to forgive: We must find a way to forgive the sins done to us and by us. There cannot be resolution without forgiveness. What the other person does is not the issue. You forgive to free yourself from the bondage to the person who has hurt you. (See Matthew 18:35, Mark 11:25, Luke 11:4, and Romans 12:14-21).

Choosing to let go: Choosing to let go is the act of turning your life and will over to God. Letting go is to believe and trust in God to control the outcome which allows you to be at peace and rest. (See 1Corinthians 13:3-13, James 3:13-18, and James 4:10).

Making amends and restitution: When people have hurt us, we want them to pay the price and make amends. On the other hand, others want the same from us if we have hurt them. We can live more comfortably with ourselves if we know we have done everything we can for the loss and pain we have caused. (See Proverbs 16:7).

Making a plan to protect yourself: It is very easy to fall back into your old ways and patterns that keep you stuck. By protecting yourself, you are less likely to have a relapse and get off track. You find protection by filling up your life with safe, healthy people who will help to guide and encourage you. Get plugged into a faith based group and get to know them, and let them get to know you. Practice spiritual disciplines including regular Bible reading and prayer (See Romans 8:5-11, and 1Peter 2:9).

Fulfilling the dream of reaching others: God has a purpose for your life. We need to secure our own growth by helping others in their process of healing. In doing so, we find meaning and purpose. (See Galatians 5:13 and 1Peter 4:10).