For many of us, letting go of negativity is easier said than done. I’ve been there—holding onto resentment, frustration, or even hurtful thoughts because, at the time, it felt justified. But what I learned through faith and reflection is that clinging to negativity doesn't punish the wrongdoer; it only punishes us. The weight of unresolved anger or grief can be like an anchor, holding us back from the peace and joy God wants for our lives.
The Cost of Holding On
Negative emotions often feel powerful in the moment, but they have a way of festering, growing, and consuming us if left unchecked. Imagine a wound that isn’t cleaned and treated; it doesn’t heal—it infects. The same can be said for our hearts. Harboring negative emotions can lead to bitterness, stress, and even physical ailments. Worse, it can create a barrier between us and God’s peace, preventing us from experiencing the fullness of His love.
Why Letting Go Aligns Us Closer to God
Scripture teaches us the importance of releasing negativity and embracing forgiveness. In Ephesians 4:31-32, we are called to "get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger... Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." When we forgive and let go, we mirror God’s grace and open ourselves to His blessings.
Letting go doesn’t mean we condone wrongdoings. It means we trust God to handle justice in His time and His way. This act of surrender allows us to step away from the burden of playing judge and focus on healing and growth.
Practical Steps to Move Past Negativity
Acknowledge the Pain: Be honest with yourself about what you’re holding onto and why it hurts. Bring it before God in prayer.
Seek God’s Perspective: Meditate on scriptures that speak to forgiveness and letting go. Remind yourself of how much God has forgiven you.
Choose Daily Surrender: Letting go isn’t a one-time decision; it’s a daily practice. Every morning, give your burdens to God and ask for His strength to keep moving forward.
Surround Yourself with Encouragement: Join a faith community, read devotionals, or listen to sermons that inspire you to focus on the positive and trust in God’s plan.
Replace Negativity with Gratitude: Each time negative thoughts arise, counter them by listing things you’re grateful for. Gratitude has the power to shift our mindset and renew our spirit.
A Testimony of Freedom
I remember a time when I was deeply hurt by someone close to me. For years, I let the anger linger, replaying the situation in my mind like a broken record. It wasn’t until I turned to God and prayed for His help to release the pain that I felt true freedom. It was a process, but each step brought me closer to peace. What I learned is that letting go isn’t just an act of forgiveness—it’s an act of faith.
God’s Promise of Peace
God invites us to cast our cares on Him because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). When we let go, we make room for His healing power and peace to flood our lives. Trust in His ability to work all things together for your good (Romans 8:28), and watch as He transforms your pain into purpose.
Let go today, not because the other person deserves it, but because you deserve peace. Release the negativity and embrace the abundant life God has for you.
Below are two books that God has inspired me to write. "The Flip Side" and "Blinded By Sight: The Heart Matters" both available now.
So… what’s this book about?
“The Flip Side” depicts the possible feelings and emotions of lesser-known Biblical characters as they navigated their lives in the shadows of the more popular characters in the Bible. While the Bible gives us snippets of their stories, we are usually left in the dark about their true motives, desires, and thoughts concerning the situations they are in. However, one certainty is that despite how little we know about these characters, they were often the catalysts to pivotal moments in the main characters’ lives.
So… what’s this book about?
Join me on a journey of self-discovery. “Blinded by Sight - The Heart Matters” is a compilation of short biblical devotions. These stories are not conclusive. They are depictions of how God is revealing my heart to me.
My prayer is, Lord, make it real for me, show me your heart, show me my heart, and give me the wisdom to change what hinders my relationship with you. I am learning that my perception is my biggest obstacle it affects my mind, what I think, and how I process my experiences. What I have experienced in my mind is expressed through my feelings and these experiences dictate my choices either consciously or subconsciously.
This devotional will allow you to explore and evaluate your past and present situations that have hindered you from seeing the heart of the matter. Simply put, look at the heart – it does matter. Your future depends on it!
I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Psalms 34:4
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