(Photo by Selma Komisky)

The Process of Learning to Let Go

By Selma Komisky

Lately, I’ve been watching decluttering programs and you would be surprised on how many websites and methods there are. But when it comes down to it – it’s about learning to let things go. So, I got to thinking in the same token why is it so hard for us to let things go emotionally.

Man! In those decluttering programs, some people were so attached and had such a hard time getting rid of stuff from their childhood, memorabilia from their college days, clothes, shoes never worn, or photos that hadn’t yet been sorted out or put in photo albums. It literally took them a while to go through a process of releasing these items. And once they did, they felt so much better.

Well, the sentimentalist that I am, I could resonate with some of those people. As I myself started to look through some of my stuff, I couldn’t help but reminisce. Some things brought good memories and, if I’m going to be completely honest, some brought not so good sentiments. So, when I started to dwell on my past, I paused, and Jesus reminded me about Isaiah 43:18-19. In the New International Version (NIV) it says:

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!”

That just comforted me so much and snapped me back to the present because at that moment I could say, “My past doesn’t define who I am, and I’m not who I was!” I choose to be brand new in Christ. I am learning that it is Christ who defines me and that’s all that matters. However, I do know that if we tend to camp out too long in those dark places, the enemy, Satan jumps in at those opportunities to bring lies, guilt, shame, regret, condemnation, and ultimately depression into our minds if we allow it. The Bible says:

“Be on your guard and stay awake. Your enemy, the devil, is like a roaring lion, sneaking around to find someone to attack.”

– 1 Peter 5:8 (Contemporary English Version)

Instead we need to sift out the junk that is cluttering up in our minds and get into God’s Word daily, which helps us refocus and develop healthy thought lives.

The Bible also says:

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of respect, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if something is excellent or praiseworthy, think about these things.”

– Philippians 4:8 (New English Translation)

In terms of a healthy reflection, I would say everything we have gone through, we can learn from. Learn to let go of the obstacles that try to hold you back and prevent you from growing and persevering forward. And just like in the process of decluttering I was talking about earlier, we can ask Jesus into to our lives and allow the Holy Spirit to help clean things up through repentance. Then, we can learn to sort out things in our lives that have been painful. I’m not saying it’s easy or without effort on our part, but Jesus promises He will be with us through it all.

God can use your story for good and it will help and encourage someone else that may have gone through something similar. God’s faithful to do a new thing in and through us. So, take your first step today and ask Jesus to help you learn to let go.

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