We all know that regrets are negative memories of past events that we wish had never happened. We also know that regrets can be tied to emotions which can severely impair our ability to grow in areas where regret exists. An example might be where someone had an abusive relationship with a controlling partner in the past and therefore, going forward, they guarded that area to prevent being hurt again- even with people who aren’t trying to control them. They may become bossy and self-sabotage relationships and in turn, build up regret that this area of their life is eating their lunch.
God wants us to grow. God wants us to stretch our current capacity. How do we do that if we have areas where regret is causing us to fear growth? This is great question- and it’s a serious one too. Many people are cycling in life, struggling to break free from regrets and the fears that comes with them. But... there is hope!!
God gave us brains and He wires them for success. When we understand how they work, we can begin to take back what the enemy has stolen. When you understand this principle:
“Your mind controls your brain and your brain controls your body
and if you want a healthy body, you need a healthy mind.
You are, and you become, what you think.”
-Dr. Caroline Leaf
An individual with a “victim identity” believes that the past is more powerful than the present; the opposite of the truth. We also need to understand that principles of mental health can be backed up Biblically. A victim’s mentality is the belief that other people and what they did to you are responsible for who you are now-for your emotional pain or your inability to be your true self. The truth is that the only power there is, is contained within the present and future. Once you know that truth (and really understand it) you realize that you alone are responsible for your inner peace and healing; not anyone else. You realize that the past cannot prevail against the power of the NOW.
A victim mentality will keep you from emotional and physical healing because it keeps you locked in the past. A victim’s mentality prevents you from finding the roots of your reactions and keeps you from finding solutions, closure, and responsibility. Too often, people think being the victim is the easier road to take but that too is a lie. Similar to getting a new toy, the "high" of avoiding the hard work of healing quickly vanishes. If you do not choose to take responsibility and forgive, or apologize and move on, you will be stuck; your emotional and physical health will suffer.
God wants you free! He wants his children to be free from regrets, free from fears, free from depression, free from all the wounds of your past. He wants you free from wrong thinking.
At FNL, we want to bring healing to the areas of people’s lives that have them stuck, mired down and held back back from all God has for them!
We are excited to say that you will be soon hearing about how we are going to go about doing that. We want people healed from their past so they can live free in their future. We want to help people regain identities that were stolen by the enemy and help people to know both who they are and whose they are. If you're stuck or you know people who are- help is coming. Stay tuned for more information.
Blessings and love,
Shane