Moving forward can be hard. It feels like it should be a quick easy step and yet, it requires so much more. When you move forward though it isn't always with an attitude of joy or gratitude; more often than not it's done out of anger or spite. There is a reason we get to the point of moving forward and it differs for everyone. Usually there is a large culminating event... so why choose joy as we move forward?
I don't know about you but sometimes I'm tired. Sometimes it feels like too much, and the energy is just gone. I want it to be easy. I want it to be simple, to release the anger and hurt to feel joy again. But sometimes the hurt feels overwhelming and the anger feels impossible to release. We all know the old adage though holding onto anger and hurt is like holding a hot coal and expecting it to burn the person you hurt.
Moving forward is not a single step and it's not just a quick decision. Often it is a daily, even minute by minute thought of saying, "I choose the Lord. I choose forgiveness. I choose to release the hurt." This is all so much easier said than done. You're thinking you don't know my story or how hurt I've been or who hurt me. No, I don't but I do know my own pain and the hurt and trauma suffered. I recently found this verse again...
"and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats,
but kept entrusting Himself to Him who jusdges righteously;"
1 Peter 2:23
Reviled means usually means abuse, often verbal abuse. If you look at it in that light, - "while being abused, He did not abuse." Christ understands. He's been where we've been. This is something I'm struggling with myself right now. Not caving to the anger. Not slipping into sin but instead choosing to respond in love and peace. Choosing to be joyful and live as Christ as called. I wish I could give you this great 5 steps to moving forward in joy.
What I'm realizing is it's much more conveluted than that. It means stepping back and laying our troubles and grievences at the Lord's feet, for me that means usually multiple times of day. Accepting that I cannot control other peoples words or actions only mine. This means choosing to find the joy in the moments. The shared laugh with a student, the sweet cuddle from my pup. Maybe its the hands of your child circling your neck, or your teen telling you about their day. Finding joy and moving forward in joy is a process. The first step is giving it to God. The second is getting into God's Word. Third, taking time to pray and spend time with the Lord. The rest of it I believe will be in those moments in the chaos where we smile.
Please know I'm praying for you. If you're struggling reach out. I'd love to chat. We're called to share our burdens.
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