Hey friend, I’m so excited about the upcoming spring season, meaning winter will be over before we know it!! Lately, the topic of looking back to reminiscent on the past has been on my mind. Let’s talk about it a little bit. Do you think one can look back into their past without any regrets or feelings of revenge? Generally for some people looking back can be joyous as one reminisces on their past achievements or accomplishments, breakthroughs received/experienced, relationship status change, or as is often stated “re-living the glory days” etc. However, for others it can be very traumatic or associated with a lot of negativity because it would mean re-living past failures, hurts, scars, maltreatments and other deep wounds inflicted by self, others or a particular situation.

Although it is not always easy for those still hurting or wounded from past experiences to look back, it is still important to do so. Looking back is a way to not only see how far you’ve come but it becomes a great opportunity to 1) put yourself in the shoes of those currently experiencing the struggles or hardships that perhaps you experienced, and 2) through which you can become a source of encouragement and support for those in need. If looking back still comes with negativity, which resulted out of very real experiences, this must be addressed before any form of encouragement or support can be offered to others. As the saying goes ‘we cannot give that which we have not yet received ourselves. The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 8: 12 that “If a man is ready and willing to give, he should give of what he has, not of what he does not have”. So we must first deal with the negative past so to be healed heal from it; but how do we even go about that in a day an age when there is ongoing pressure to suppress our negative pasts with substance use/abuse, wrong relationships, and/or violence etc.?

I believe the most effective way to deal with past trauma or negative experiences is to Look Up to God through His SonJesus Christ for help that will result in lasting healing, which frankly is no where to be found in this culture. We can look up to Christ because: 1) He is the God who understands and sympathizes with our past and present struggles/ hardships/weaknesses (Hebrews 4:15); 2) He is the only God who has overcome the world and all the evil powers at work in it (John 16: 33); and 3) He is the Son of God who “was despised, rejected, acquainted with deepest grief; carried our weaknesses and sorrows; was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our wrong doings, and whipped so we could be healed” (Isaiah 53). The Lord Jesus Christ is beyond qualified to help us heal from any past traumas, disappointments, or other negative experiences. For me personally, there’s been many instances in my life when I did not want to look back on certain situations, disappointments, and relationships because of the negative feelings (such as un-forgiveness, revenge, resentment, anger etc.) that this would trigger. However I found that, every time I Looked Up in prayer to The Lord Jesus Christ for help, peace, purpose, and healing were restored within me. Some times the healing was not immediate but a process (it took time), depending on the situation and other factors, nonetheless the peace in knowing that God loves you, has heard you, has a purpose for your life, and the faith that He will come through is almost instantaneous.

Friend, when we Look Up to The Lord Jesus Christ for help to heal our negative past hardships/traumas/failures, looking back without regrets, revenge or other unhealthy negative emotions becomes very much possible however deep the wounds and/or wrong doings. Once peace with/in Christ is obtained/restored as well as healing experienced or in progress, it becomes possible to view ourselves through God’s merciful, graceful and loving eyes as well as even lend a helping hand to those who were involved in our past hurts or those currently experiencing the same negative situation(s). Friend, what are your thoughts on this topic – how are you dealing with negative experiences from your past? Please share in the comment below and let’s chat :).