Freedom From Resentment

Resentment means re-living painful experiences of the past. I learned that only too well. Several years ago when I was plagued with chronic pain in my right shoulder, I was going through a season of deep-seated resentment. Once I became aware of this, I realized that indeed I had been focusing a lot on regrets of the past.

The more I studied and prayed about it, I became aware of the tactics of the devil. His mission is to direct our focus away from the Lord. One of his weapons is to keep you repeating painful past and current offences by mouth or thought. But God is I AM. He is always in the present and He will lead you towards your glorious future in Him. His desire is that you are joyful in Him despite your past or present circumstances.

The more you hang on to resentment, the more you will see yourself as victim. Instead of the perpetrators being punished, you open yourself to physical pain and mental anguish.

The Bible says that we must take every thought captive. (2 Cor. 10:5) In other words; if it does not produce love and peace, it does not come from God.

Jesus tells us to focus on: "whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." (Phil. 4: 8)

Do you know the best way to change your focus? For me it is praying in the Spirit and praising God. Put on a favorite inspirational CD, or sing the simple, beautiful, repetitive, anointed Halleluyah. You will feel a tangible joy and peace welling up from deep within.

Therefore, choose not to concentrate on negative experiences or recent offences. It is God's wisdom that He does not want you to let the sun go down on your anger (Eph. 4: 26). It will only give rise to resentment and take away your peace.

As you learn to focus on the Prince of Peace, you will experience a new, wonderful sense of freedom. I know; because the moment I did, the chronic shoulder pain permanently left me.

There is nothing like walking in the freedom of the Lord; enjoy it; it's His gift!