Forgiveness

As a therapist, I understand and work through to a state of forgiveness with many of the people I minister to. Personally speaking, forgiveness for me takes time...lots of time. Like most of us when I am initially hurt, anger so easily enters my thoughts and feelings....so much so that it makes it hard for me to even pray. That piece of the forgiveness process is harder on me than the hurt that I feel. 

I have just come through a time of being hurt and finally...this morning...am able to pray and experience God's presence fresh and new. Having often wished life would be easier, it is much more honest to express my anger and hurt to the one who has done the hurting. That is not always helpful, especially when they don't see their part. The reality is my comfort had to come from pouring every thought, every hurt feeling to the Lord. There may come a time when I will be able to talk to the one who did the hurting. And then, there may not. 

Bottom line, when I stay face to face with the Lord, clinging to a corner of robe, He will bring comfort to my heart and the truth of Himself to my mind. I realized this morning, part of the forgiveness process for me was to return to a place of respect for Him and His presence in my life. The Lord in turn waited, remained steadfast, and just kept loving me. 

When we are hurt, it is "customary and usual" to experience a time where we distance. Relief comes when we can let go and let His truth sooth our hurting spirit and His wisdom come to the surface. 

Lord bless you all today!