When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.” –John 11:43-44 NIV
Are you wrapped up and bound to painful experiences that took place in your life years ago or even this past year? It’s impossible for you to fully embrace and live in the present while perpetually walking through the tombs of your past. Repeating and reliving dead issues actually robs you of living the new life Jesus died on the Cross for you to enjoy. In today’s opening verse, Jesus shouted to Lazarus, “Come out!” He went on to say, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”
Is there something holding you back from experiencing the fullness of life that the Lord offers you? Jesus would like to heal you from the issues that have left you feeling wounded and dead. Reach out for help so you can experience healing. Choose to rise up and come out of your tomb. You’ll start living well and whole again—and others will benefit from your healing.
Whatever tomb you’re in, don’t linger there anymore. Refuse to cling to dead issues—hurts, grudges, mistakes, losses—that have your soul wrapped in grave clothes. Let go, and let God heal your soul so you can embrace a healthier, happier, favorable Year of the Lord!
Ask God to reveal what, in the past, is hindering you from receiving and experiencing healing and freedom.
Pray that the Holy Spirit will help you let go of past issues that are blocking you from living the Spirit-filled life.