A few weeks ago I was mulling around something in my mind. Some issues from the past were back in my thoughts that I thought were resolved. I had moved on and felt as though those moments in my life were just a part of my past. In that moment of thought I heard myself say out loud, “I will no longer give these thoughts space, place, face or grace!” I realized that statement was inspired by God’s thoughts for me.

I know I am not the only out here that has resolved or settled an issue in their mind and heart and put it behind them (sometimes for a long period of time) only to have it resurface again. There are usually two reasons why this would happen. Number one, there really are a few things that STILL need to be be processed. This could entail just processing with yourself and God, with a close, trusted friend, or with someone that you are still struggling with relationally. Maybe you just need to pray through a few more aspects of the situation and/or circumstances or maybe you need someone else’s voice to settle the unsettled parts of the matter. Processing out loud is very helpful for most people.

The second reason a resolved matter may resurface is that the enemy of your soul is trying to rip open old things that have already been closed and put to rest. Lessons have been learned, you have grown from the situation and forgiven all involved including yourself. If this is the case, then most likely something unholy is trying to rob you of your peace. This is when the best course of action is to no longer allow that attack. Do not give it your time or attention. Let’s look at how we can remove this unsettling attack:

1. SPACE - Not longer allow space in your thoughts to re-hash situations, circumstances and events. When you catch yourself thinking an unhealthy thought about all of it, stop and speak your own name out loud to interrupt the thought pattern. Tell yourself out loud that you have already resolved all of this situation and that you will no longer allow these thoughts. Bless the person/people involved in the situation out loud and move on to purposely think about something else.

   Philippians 3:13-15
   Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead, I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenwards in Christ Jesus.

2. PLACE - Next determine that you will no longer allow these toxic thoughts a place in your life. Speak kindly to yourself and assure yourself that you will re-PLACE this spot with a good thought or good input such as listening to the Word of God or a podcast that you have been meaning to listen to. Set a parameter for yourself that these things do not deserve a place in your life.

   Psalm 16:8 “ I have placed the Lord always in front of me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be moved”

3. FACE - Turn your face away from these issues. When you put your face toward something old, you can’t face something new. If the issues were resolved, then the old things will continue to keep you stuck where you are. You must turn your face toward your future instead.
   Isaiah 50:7 “For the Lord God will help Me; Therefore I will not be disgraced; Therefore I have set My face like a flint, And I know that I will not be ashamed.

4. GRACE - One of the definitions of grace is: a manifestation of favor, mercy; clemency; pardon. If a situation is already resolved, then do not give old thoughts any grace (favor, mercy or clemency). This is an area where no grace is necessary, in fact it is detrimental to your forward movement in life.
   Isaiah 43:18 ‘Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.”

Practice these four steps when something already resolved tries to re-invade your mind and emotions. You will be glad you did!

For the Kingdom,

Donna