Dwell On Thoughts That Bring Health

Painful Memories Can Blindside

One afternoon, I heard some news that reminded me of the past. Memories of suffering flooded back and threatened to overwhelm me.

For many years, it had rarely crossed my mind. God had healed the pain — and helped me to do my part to let go of it.

Yet the next morning, I was still thinking about it. And formulating a blog to relate those events.

Painful Memories Can Kill

As the painful events swirled in my head, another thought took over.

For the time I dwell on the past and its pain, I lose the present moment and any goodness it holds.

I’ve heard the phrase, “Let go of the pain and don’t let abusers live rent free in your head.”

Very true.

If I hang on to the pain, I’m the one who pays the price.

For every second, minute, hour, day, week, month, and year that I focus on the past, it costs me my life.

And that price is too high.

I realized long ago, I didn’t deserve the pain the abusers caused.

And I most certainly don’t deserve to carry it around – for even one more second.

If I do, they win.

And it nauseates me to think they will have any victory at all.

Dwell On What Rescues

So I asked God to take away all thoughts and emotions of the events and the people who caused them.

And I turned my attention to this blog and to the thoughts God wanted me to think.

I started listing everything for which I’m grateful.

And I feel free again.

Each moment in the future with God’s help, I must dwell on this:

“Finally brothers, 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.” Philippians 4:8

My mind, my spirit, and my health depend on it.

And that is victory for me.

What helps you let go of painful events?

Dwell On What Brings Health – What helps you let go of painful events? Share on X

Joni Vance is an award-winning author of fiction, essay, and poetry. She loves mystery, history, and how God reveals Himself every day.

May God reveal the mystery of His love in your life story.