To make peace with our past, we have to understand that peace will always be a choice. Often a daily choice.
Listen to the spirit of Philippians 4:6-7 … Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (NLT) Notice that the peace that passes understanding comes only after we choose to let go of anxiousness and pray. We choose gratitude to God and give Him our requests. He promises peace will come to our hearts and minds after we decide to let go of the toxicity we can so easily hold onto.
Like two nations at war have to choose to call a truce, come to the table, and talk, we have to come to Christ’s table and lay down our past to then experience His peace.
In repeating today’s passage, let’s now add verse 8 … Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
What from your past causes you anxiety today? What do you struggle to overcome that keeps robbing you of peace? What will it take for you to give up and choose the peace of Christ today? You don’t have to understand it to receive it because it always transcends our understanding. We simply decide to experience His peace.
As you sit with your eyes closed, open your hands and reach out as a symbol of letting go and handing the past over to God. Trade Him your past for His peace. That’s exactly what He wants you to do.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, please take the past, the toxic feelings, the anxiety, all of it. I’m tired of it and want to trade my past for Your peace. As above, so below.”