Read John 16:33 NIV
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Imagine your mind filled with heavy suitcases, labeled with things like “mistakes,” “bitterness,” “shame,” “unforgiveness.” These bags can be heavy. Belts that are tight. Velcro that is too sticky. Handles that cut into our hands. Straps that dig deep into our shoulders. We feel worn out, tired and weak.
I know sometimes I feel like I just want to throw these bags away, without even looking at what may be inside. But in order to fully get rid of the “mistakes,” “bitterness,” “shame” and “unforgiveness,” I must take the time to look. I need to determine how they got in this bag in the first place. And figure out why I am continuing to carry them.
It is not as simple as setting them down and walking away. I know from experience that if I do that, I will be hit in the head with another and another and another. They may or may not be labelled the same, but they are guaranteed to hurt and do damage. I may get a temporary break, but I will never get rid of these bags completely until I exchange them. To whom would I want to give them? NO ONE! I do not wish emotional baggage on anyone! But who will take them? Jesus! He wants to make this exchange.
He will even help throw out those heavy bags. He will gladly replace them with things like “peace,” “love,” “acceptance,” and “salvation.” Wouldn’t you rather have one of those?
We are told in John 16:33 “In this world, we will have trouble. But take heart for HE has overcome the world.” Because of who Jesus is and what He has done, we can make the exchange and be free from emotional bondage. All we have to do is accept the invitation and receive the gifts He so freely gives. He will take our baggage and get rid of it for good! Jesus is the only way to true, lasting freedom from emotional bondage.
