The time for healing must begin, for Yesterday is Gone

I could not sleep last night as I thought about war, rumors of war, and the invasion of Ukraine. In this dark and dismal world those who proclaim to be a brother, friend, or espouse feelings of compassion often lie in wait to hurt because they know no other way to act. When you meet these people, and you will meet them remember what GOD did, and how JESUS responded. When the world with venom in their mouths, said: "How much do you love me." JESUS said I love you this much then he opened his arms to be nailed to the cross.

We are nearing Ash Wednesday, which is a solemn reminder of human mortality and the need for reconciliation in the Christian Church. Ash Wednesday is most often observed with ashes and fasting. One benefit of fasting is we clear our minds and gain a new perspective on life. As we consider all the hate in this world...I believe the time has come to let the hurt, pain, and vengeance go. A thirst for vengeance is nothing if not timeless. It dates back to Cain and Able, Jezebel, and it is as classic as Hamlet. The actual execution of revenge carries a bitter cost of time, emotional and physical energy, and even lives. The instance before revenge is gained, loss of integrity is acquired leaving a void of emptiness; but what about the days and weeks that follow? Shakespeare said, “If you prick us do we not bleed? If you tickle us do we not laugh? If you poison us, do we not die? And if you wrong us shall we not revenge?” Revenge might seem like a logical – even inevitable reaction. You might be thinking that it will also provide great relief from the pain that you are feeling or some sort of satisfaction. People who seek revenge instead of forgiving and letting go tend to feel worse in the end, and those who don't have severe emotional and psychological issues. Walk away from people like this, because they destroy everything they touch...yesterday is gone.

Perhaps we need to revive the saying WWJD. I often listen to music play softly in the background as I read. As I listened to the song Broken Together by Casting Crowns I thought about how we as a people need to reconcile to GOD, and one another. Although the song was written to address a broken marriage in need of reconciliation, its truth applies to each relationship. " HOW I WISH WE COULD GO BACK TO SIMPLER TIMES BEFORE ALL OUR SCARS AND ALL OUR SECRETS WERE IN THE LIGHT...ONLY GOD CAN CHANGE OUR MINDS"

Consider how when Jesus met anyone he did three things:

1. Often Jesus would ask them about themselves, and then he would tell them what they needed to do to be saved. Jesus always extended the opportunity to be saved.

2. Next Jesus would say "You are forgiven"

3. Finally Jesus would say "Walk with me from this point forward"

Often I will set a song to loop (repeat) and I simply write in the moment. This was the case the other day. As I repeatably listened to the song Broken Together by Casting Crowns, I thought of how we need to reconcile to GOD and one another. Life is so short, and we only have this very moment, so if you have hurt, disappointment, or even anger in your heart please listen...

"If you can bring your shattered dreams and I'll bring mine

Could healing still be spoken and save us?

The only way we'll last forever is broken together"

These verses continued to permeate my heart and mine...with pen in hand I wrote the poem entitled Yesterday's Gone

Yesterday’s Gone

 

Whom can I turn to so inapt?

As rains of regret falling damn

By promises made and unkept

In Light of the Great I AM

 

With every path, I’ve taken

 In life’s vexing labyrinth of lies

My faith was swiftly shaken

Broken I laid down and cried

 

JESUS saved me from within

Who willingly died in our place

By forgetfulness of forgiven sin

 Filling the empty black space

 

As mercy falls from antiquity

No more lonely tears to cry

Purging depths of iniquity

Hope flickers to swiftly rise

 

Now yesterday holds no place

Amid sins waxing and waning

For memories mournful, embrace

Is neither peaceful nor forgiving

 

Yes, yesterday has gone and

 Tomorrow’s pain may never be

So, in Thy presence, I will stand

Justified by Thy Holy Decree

 

Brighter days begin with Thee

With today’s morning dawn

Where Thy love is waiting for me

For Yesterday is Gone!

 

Solus Christus

 

Jay Adam Pearson

When confronted with venom pause and think What Would JESUS DO?

Remember we say the words we choose, and we choose the words we say...choose forgiveness, love, and reconciliation.

In HIS service

Jay Adam