Monsters from the Past



As a child I was afraid to dangle my arm over the side of the bed for fear that something might grab it.  It was a definite concern and to this day I keep my arms tucked safely under the covers at night.  Silly I know, but I do it anyway.

Childhood fears are certainly real, but for the most part are nothing more than a figment of their imagination.  Monsters seldom hide under beds or in closets, and goblins only come out at Halloween and during nightmares.

Adults have fears and concerns as well.  Fears often play a part in mainstream phobias.  Past experiences can haunt one’s peace of mind as adults, because of the fear that is associated with guilt and sin. 

Skeletons in the closet can haunt like nothing else can.  There is a fear that one day they will be unleashed to bring discomfort and pain.  It is horrible to endure thoughts that deal with monsters from the past.  They can preoccupy our every waking moment if we allow them to do so.

The beauty of God’s love is this:  We can cast our unchangeable past upon the Lord, because the Bible tells us that He cares for us.  When we give our troubling experiences and fears to Jesus, He heals our mind; peace ensues as God envelopes us with His love and forgiveness. 

God teaches how to forgive ourselves of the tormenting monsters from the past that so easily beset us.  As these monsters release their death grip, relief comes immediately, because healing has taken place in one’s heart and mind.  Those that live with past regrets must learn how to forgive themselves, especially if God has.

No one can change the past no matter how bad they wish they could.  It is what it is; the past.  The dynamics of forgiving oneself takes work, but it is possible to accomplish this task, because of the promises we have in the Bible.

(1 Peter 5:6-7), “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,” vs.7 “casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” 

God’s grace is more than adequate concerning matters of past issues that we cannot do anything about.  He provided the means, whereby, we can be forgiven of past sin through His Son Jesus.  Jesus died on the cross for the redemption of mankind. 

When we acknowledge our sins to God and ask for forgiveness, Jesus comes into our heart and takes up residence.  The Bible says that God forgives and cleanses us from all sin.

(1 John 1:9), “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

When we are born-again and become a Christian, we have to accept our monsters from the past and go on with Christ at our side; learning from past mistakes and how not to repeat them.  You are not the only person fighting inner battles. 

We can control our thought process with the help of the Holy Spirit when the past begins to growl and frighten us.  They are merely images of Satan in disguise.  The Bible says that when we resist him, he will flee from us.

(1 Peter 5:8-9), “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”  vs.9 “Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.”

(James 4:7), “Therefore submit to God.  Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”

We stand victorious through Christ Jesus.  In Him we are a new creation.  The old monsters from the past are under the blood of our Lord and Savior, Jesus.

(2 Corinthians 5:17), “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

(1 John 1:7), “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.”

I should not have sinned, but I did.  Thanks to God all has been forgiven.  God has thrown my failures into the sea of His forgetfulness at the moment I invited Jesus into my heart. 

Since God has forgiven me, why then should I not do the same?  Why continue dredging up the monsters from the past that dictate my feelings and attitudes today?  Why live a defeated existence now that Jesus has set me free from bondage? 

Yes, mistakes happen, but can we undo the past?  If the answer is no, why should we live our lives punishing ourselves for the things we cannot change?  God’s grace is sufficient for all of our needs.  He makes it possible to forgive ourselves of past failures and to live an overcoming, Christian life, without fretting over the past. 

We can leave the past in the past.  It need not dictate the attitude of our mind today.  As I said earlier, the past serves as a teacher of those things we should not repeat. 

When a Christian truly realizes their position and potential in Christ, as a child of God, is when the door can close on the monsters from the past.  Victory is just a door latch away. 

God tells us to redirect our thinking and to dwell upon wholesome thoughts.

(Philippians 4:8), “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”

Putting into practice (Philippians 4:8) is the secret of keeping the door closed to past negatives, thus, living an overcoming life without bad memories trying to destroy it.  Leaving monsters from the past behind locked doors brings triumph, because of the power that is in the blood of the Lamb, God's Son.  We can experience the abundant life that Jesus talks about in the Bible when we resist the devil's attempts to steal our peace.

(John 10:10), “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.  I have come that they may have life and that they may have it more abundantly.”

As we practice putting God’s Word into action is when it becomes easier to forgive ourselves of past sins.  Monsters from the past run and hide when we speak the name of Jesus.  The mere mention of His name refreshes troubled minds and brings peace and delight to a fretful soul.

Written by,

Papa Boyd