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In Hope

Obsession With Past Failure

Thursday February 6, 2025

Sometimes people in recovery circles are obsessed with past failures.  In their minds they replay scenes of negative events over and over again allowing the sustained hurt to cause them even more pain. 

Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.  (Luke 6:37 NIV)

Some of us struggle with memories of how our care givers failed to provide the necessities of life for us.  We may judge and condemn them, and subsequently ourselves for our failure to provide for those who depended on us.  Failures of others, or our own failures, too easily become the dominant focus in our thinking and in our conversations with others.  Resentment and bitterness grow like weeds in this type of environment and our obsession with past offences eventually becomes our identity.  Can God help in these circumstances?

Is anyone crying for help? God is listening, ready to rescue you.  If your heart is broken, you’ll find God right there; if you’re kicked in the gut, he’ll help you catch your breath.  (Psalm 34:17-18 MSG)

Continuing to obsess on past failures is a hindrance to our present and future well-being.  We need to ask God for forgiveness for the sins of bitterness, resentment, or meanness that occupy our minds and hearts.  

We need to see those who harmed us as sinners in need of forgiveness.  We need to give up being judge of our own and someone else’s failures.  Failures are not fatal, while bitterness can be. 

Make sure no one gets left out of God’s generosity. Keep a sharp eye out for weeds of bitter discontent.  A thistle or two gone to seed can ruin a whole garden in no time.  (Hebrews 12:15 MSG)

Let’s ask God today to help us deal with our obsession with past failures. 

Prayer:  Loving God, Help me to let go of the bitter discontent I harbour because of past hurts.  I accept Your forgiveness and healing and choose to live together with others in Your peace and blessing.  Amen

Audio for Obsession With Past Failure

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