DROPPING THE BAGGAGE OF HURT FEELINGS

Bible Text: Genesis 50:18-20
“His brothers then came and threw themselves down before him. ‘We are your slaves,’ they said. But Joseph said to them, ‘Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.'”

A quick reflection on the immediate past year may bring back some memories of hurt feelings. It could be a reminder of emotional trauma we have experienced in one way or another. There is a probability and possibility of dragging these feelings into the new year.

While it may seem easier to ignore those feelings, if not dealt with, they can produce bitterness and anger within us. It is hard to practice gratitude when these feelings linger in our hearts. Instead of trying to sweep these issues under the rug, we can choose to drop the baggage of hurt feelings and enter the new year with the freedom that forgiveness brings.

To truly forgive, we must surrender it all to God. This can be difficult because we often associate the word “surrender” with defeat or losing a battle. However, when we surrender our hurts to God, He lifts the weight off our shoulders and handles the situation as He sees fit. Healing begins when we come in total surrender to God. He covers us with His love and mercy and fills us with His peace.

Our human nature may crave revenge on those who have hurt us, but surrendering to God allows us to trust Him to handle it. Romans 12:19 says:

“Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God… ‘I will take revenge; I will pay them back,’ says the Lord.”

The story of Joseph, as related in today’s text, is a perfect example of this. When he saw his brothers before him, the memory of all they had done to him must have resurfaced. Joseph had suffered greatly at the hands of his brothers because of their jealousy. They had mistreated and mishandled him. However, Joseph acknowledged God’s control over everything and recognized how God had used his suffering to accomplish His plans. In the same way, God can take our pain and use it for good when we learn to drop it behind us and surrender it all to Him.

Beloved, it is unwise to carry over offenses and hurts into the new year. If you want peace, surrender your hurt feelings to God. Relinquish control. If there is someone you need to forgive, take it to God in prayer right now, leave it in His hands, choose to forgive, and trust Him with the results. Remember, forgiveness is not about the other person but about you and the freedom you can enjoy in Christ.
➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖
Prophetic Prayer
I pray for you today:

1. May the Lord heal your wounded emotions in Jesus’ name.
2. May He help you to drop and surrender your hurt feelings to Him.
3. As you advance in the new year, evil baggage shall not accompany you.
4. The Lord will heal your heart and help you forgive those who hurt you.
5. This year, you shall overcome every emotional stress and trauma.

So shall it be in Jesus’ name. Amen.
➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖
Enjoy your weekend!

CHRIST IS THE ANSWER!

Yours in Christ,

Revd. Dr. Bayo Sola Aremu
Church Pastor
Yaba Baptist Church
Sabo-Yaba, Lagos