Deleted Items

As it currently stands, there are 5868 emails in the 'deleted items' section of my email software. No wonder the program was running a bit slow! Now I'd just like to say, I didn't intend to keep all those files, I just didn't realise they accumulate so fast.

It did get me thinking about how much of life's unwanted or unnecessary information I keep without realising and I wondered how we go about getting rid of those things that pile up, slow us down and hold us up. Apparently there is an option in the program that can prompt me to permanently delete the emails in that folder each time I exit, allowing me to start each day with only the necessary files.

I believe prayer has the same function in our lives. We are bombarded in life by lots of information, opinions, expectations, circumstances, and relationships and we need a place where we can sort through all those. We need to keep the important and uplifting things, attend to issues that need to be dealt with, and let go of those things that do not belong in our life. But just forgetting about those 'deleted items' doesn't get rid of the stress, guilt and pressure.

When God forgives our sin, He removes it as far as the east is from the west, and he remembers it no more. That means he chooses not to recall it. Permanently deleted. (Jer 31:34)

So, if you are holding on to memories of your own sin, believe that God has removed that sin through Jesus Christ so you can let it go too. And if it is from others, recognise when it is slowing you down or holding you back and choose to permanently delete that too.

How do you do that? With the Holy Spirit within you and the Bible before you:

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."Philippians 4:6-8

There are two things we need to apply. Prayer is our heavenly filter which shows up things that aren't in their proper place as we submit to Christ Jesus. And then wisdom is our earthly filter which helps us recognise those things as they come across our paths.

Once we use this application, we are able to truly and freely send and receive both with God and with others.