#479 Rewriting our Negative Memories and Thoughts Psalm 19:14 Part 3
A Testimony
Then the LORD overruled that I learned about a particularly intense experience a Brother went through and I talked to him about it. The way he presented the experience really got my attention. He spoke of a humiliating experience with false accusation in a calm and faith filled way. He did not find it necessary to present the details of difficulty of the experience, but mostly shared what he learned: “Before I thought I was in control of my life, but then He showed me He was in control. It was God’s way of telling me I’m not in control.”
This fellowship helped me see something very important about myself. I realized that I am very connected with the drama from my experiences. I get very focused on the pain of past experiences, more than the lessons.
One of the talks mentioned Matthew 6:16: don’t look like play actors when you fast, calling attention to and even exaggerating your discomfort, “in order to be seen of men.” Be authentic! The LORD showed me that I can sometimes use the intensity of past experience as a way to gain attention, approval and respect. Also, holding onto the drama of being hurt could be in the way of forgiveness. Matt 6:14-15
Another part of the drama of past experience I need to let go of is when I read into the intentions of others and get focused on taking that story personally.
It helps to get a perspective on pain of the past when we look at our experiences next to our Precious Savior Jesus. Hebrews 12:2-4
How do we remember the difficult experiences from our past?
“May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in Thy sight…” (Psalm 19:14) Our meditations includes our memories. O LORD, sanctify our memories, to see the amazing purpose behind the experience. This does not mean that we deny the pain in our life. That pain needs to be experienced and surrendered to the LORD, so that the pain will not be in the way of going forward in our Christian walk. “For I am the least of the apostles, who am not fit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove vain; but I labored even more than all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God with me.” 1 Corinthians 15:9-10
Philippians 2:5 The attitude you should have is the one that Christ Jesus had:
“A Christian is not privileged with a certain set of circumstances. Nice home. Perfect family. Good health. No, a Christian is a person with a certain attitude toward any and all circumstances. A person’s attitude makes the difference, regardless of circumstances. A heavenly attitude focuses on God’s presence amid trials. Fixating on our hardships distracts us from a heavenly outlook. We feel burdened. Depressed. Hopeless. In contrast, a godly outlook on our troubles brings confidence that God is at work. We relax in God’s presence, waiting to see how He will work out our concerns. Are you undergoing a trial right now? Where are you focused? Ask God to redirect your energies so you can look beyond your troubles and feel His presence near you.”
From Extreme Devotion: Voice of the Martyrs
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