Old Ghost's reappearing

We live in a society that would much rather shove things to the side and pretend that they have dealt with their "issues" than honestly face it. Now this title got me thinking, so I decided to do some self-evaluation. After much reflection I finally came to an honest conclusion that I hadn't really "let go" of some things that I knew were holding me back. What I did like most others was attempt to make my heart believe that I was over the heartbreaks, anger, desires that didn't please God, and I had forgiven the people that had hurt me. I was so blinded I couldn't see that these issues I hadn't dealt with became "ghosts" which lived in my apparent reality. I use the word ghost, because we cannot see these issues but they hide in a corner of our hearts and hinder us from moving forward.

Let me back track for a minute, so how do you know if you’re living with a "Ghost"? Well let’s say for example someone offends you, and you say you have forgiven. If when you think of that person or whatever situation transpired, and it gets you upset then you unfortunately haven't let go. The bible says in the book of Matthew 6:15 "But if you do not forgive others their sins, Your father will not forgive your sins"

When we hold on to these “ghosts” we unknowingly put a halt on not only our relationship with God, but allow ourselves to be held bondage in our minds. That thing or person that we let rule our minds could very well have even moved on but we for some reason chose to let that issue define us. Hence, when these old issues such as anger, jealousy, unforgiveness, and hatred that we thought we dealt with reappear, it just means that the "ghosts" never left. One thing that these Ghosts will NOT do is give you peace, so you holding on means you have CHOSEN to be in captivity. The blood of Jesus has given us the ability to walk in freedom, but why do we chose to be in slavery to "ghosts" of this world?

Romans 12:2 says "Do not conform to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - His good and perfect will."

I know it’s hard, but we serve a God that is bigger than any issue. If only we would go Him in prayer and sincerely ask Him to change our hearts. The word of God says in Jeremiah 17:9 that the heart of man is desperately wicked, and no one can understand it. God however created us so He knows why we act the way we do, because He is the only one that can search a man's heart. As people of God we need to do whatever it takes, especially in these times where the signs are clear that Christ is soon to come. If it takes praying every day for God to strengthen us to overcome our sinful nature, then let’s do it! I don't know about you but I’m glad I serve a God who can look beyond my nature to hold on to things that I clearly know won't prosper me. He loves us, and He is willing to help us be free as long as we are willing to come into His presence with a sincere heart.