I sent a scripture to a friend who is really struggling with some issues. After I finished sending it, I realized God wanted me to get the same message. I needed to forgive myself too, as I struggle greatly with guilt and regret!
It is like a big, heavy ball and chain. It is attached to my leg, and I drag it around with me. It holds me back every time I get ready to laugh, run and play. It tries to hold me back with all the gunk from my past. So, I am “camping” on the scripture / word from God that I found. Are you carrying around a ball and chain of regrets?
From Romans 4:25 By faith in Jesus, who was betrayed and put to death because of our misdeeds. He was raised again to secure our justification. This act absolves us from all guilt before God.
God has redeemed us, in His eyes, and now He wants us to do the same for ourselves. We can do this through His strength. He gives us strength to use when we can’t find our own. Phil. 4:13
Now keep this scripture close to heart. Repeat it often until you can make it yours. Visualize a bolt cutter cutting off that ball and chain of guilt from yourself. See it being thrown into the scrap pile, where it can be reshaped into something good and beautiful.
Visualization is a very powerful tool to use. We are instructed to dismantle strongholds and imaginations. These are the negative things rolling around in your thoughts. Afterward, we bind them and refuse to allow them back in to our thoughts.
Take just five minutes? Visualize how your life will look different without these negative things in your thoughts.
This can be done by changing those negative scenes from the past with their regrets. They can be transformed into receiving freedom from all the guilt, shame, and regrets. This also includes any other feelings that torment us on a regular basis. This is freedom given by Jesus.
Write “their” name (the issue) on that ball and chain. Then cut it off. Throw it into the fire. You can lift it up and give it to God. You see Him sitting in the clouds and taking it. Or, let it float away out into space. It will be changed as it goes. Use whatever speaks to you that lets you get past your bondage.
I “see” or visualize everyone that I feel guilty about. I also visualize things I have done and place them in the arms of Jesus. There are wonderful pictures of Jesus sitting and ministering, praying, or with children. I just take that image and hand Him the people I’ve done wrong or that I am worried about. I also hand Him any situations I need to let go of.
I then “see” myself as a loved child that is receiving good things, peace and joy.
It will sound “strange” or foreign compared to anything we are comfortable with, but trust me, it does work. Ask God how you can best let go of your struggles and give them to Him.
Sending love and prayers. Release these struggles. Let God carry you through the day. Accept His love. Let this be real every day, and know that some days, it is handled hour by hour and that’s o.k., because you are still moving ahead.
Many blessings on your new found journey.
