Emotional Junk

By Andrea Merrell

 Junk: useless or of little value. 

When I was in high school, and even into the first few years of my marriage, I had no idea how much emotional junk I was carrying around. Baggage from my past I was never meant to hang on to.

That junk manifested itself in anger, hurt feelings, treating others as I had been unfairly treated … and then making the same mistakes over and over. I hurt the very people I cared about the most. I hurt myself. And my behavior was anything but glorifying to God.

Rather than taking responsibility for my attitudes, words, and actions, I blamed everyone around me. The result? I remained trapped inside a prison of my own making. I cried out to the Lord, wondering why He wouldn’t set me free. This continued for years until that wonderful day He showed me how to let go of the past and stop choosing wrong behaviors.

Job 11:13-19 (NLT) says:

If only you would prepare your heart and lift up your hands to him in prayer! Get rid of your sins and leave all iniquity behind you. Then your face will brighten with innocence. You will be strong and free of fear. You will forget your misery; it will be like water flowing away. Your life will be brighter than the noonday. Even darkness will be as bright as morning. Having hope will give you courage. You will be protected and will rest in safety. You will lie down unafraid, and many will look to you for help. 

If you’re carrying around a bunch of junk from the past, it’s time to get rid of it and walk in freedom. Give it to the Lord. Take responsibility for your own actions, ask for forgiveness, and choose to let it go, once and for all.

(Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net and Sira Anamwong.)

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If you’re carrying around a bunch of junk from the past, it’s time to get rid of it. Give it to the Lord and let it go, once and for all. via @AndreaMerrell (Click to tweet.)

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