And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins. Mark 11:25
I have been on the road again. This time to Swope, Virginia, a beautiful farming area with rolling green hills dotted with fat cows and sweet fresh air. I went to a food conference, learning about sustainability and eating fresh food. There was so much information, and I did my best to absorb all that I could. Besides the speakers and fantastic food there is also farm tour. Reminiscent of childhood hayrides, tractors pull trailers ladened with hay bales and people around the farm to see the different operations and animals.
One particular process I found interesting. It was the pig area. On the edge of the field, a strip of tangled vegetation framed the green meadow. As we came nearer, I saw curly pig tails waging as the animal vigorously rooted.
Did you know that pigs root and eat a variety of vegetation and insects? They instinctively root around the ground searching for bugs, grubs and other tasty morsels. As they do so, they can clear a piece of land of brush, thickets and briers leaving freshly turned soil. Pigs are often used to clear areas for farming. A field left untouched after the pigs are moved on, fill up quickly with new shoots of a variety of grasses and wildflowers.
Clearing the land also allows the big hard wood trees access to light, and less competition for nutrients and water often absorbed by weeds, briers and brush. It is amazing to see how these animals can clear an area.
As I watched the pigs at work, I noticed the bare soil bathed in sunlight. It made me think of how often we allow our hearts to be overrun with brush and clutter of unforgiveness and lack of repentance.
It is easy to let things get overgrown. We live distracted and busy lives. Heartbreaks, worry, and fear, can clog up our hearts. We tend to hold on to these hurts and tolerate people that do not have our best interests in mind. These things grow and begin to choke out the good and block the Son’s light.
It is difficult to face the clutter and let go of unforgiveness and the hurt caused by others. However, holding on to these things only perpetuates the pain. Do you carry unforgiveness, pain and disappointment? Does it feel like it is over taking you at times? Do you have people in your life that constantly run you down? Do find yourself feeling more alone?
You are not alone. Jesus wants to help you find relief and freedom from the things that clutter your heart and choke your joy. Jesus can help you but first you must be willing to help yourself.
It is not easy to let go of hurt, pain, loss, and unforgiveness. Letting go is hard to do. However, it is necessary to receive the freedom that comes with forgiveness. Releasing it will not happen suddenly you must work through the pain; you must forgive each wrong and be willing to acknowledge your own culpability. Repent, forgive and invite Jesus to enter into your heart and life.
Through prayer and reading the Word of God, you will receive the strength and direction you need to achieve freedom. Find people that are Christians, attend church or a study group. Reach out for help. Do not feel you are alone, all of us face times like this in life. There is love and understanding.
Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, Acts 3:19
Inward examination is never unchallenging. It will not be comfortable, and you will want to quit. Do not focus on this rather refocus on the long run. Discomfort now will bring you to a future free of oppression, fear and dissatisfaction. I encourage you let go of the hurt and anger. Release your grip that holds the injuries you have endured. They do not help, but rather leave you in a lonely darkness void of peace.
 Other seed fell among thorns. The thorns grew up and crowded out the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil. It produced a crop 100, 60, or 30 times more than what was planted. Those who have ears should listen and understand. Matthew 13:1-23
The pigs root out the brush that choke the trees, grasses and flowers. Clearing the soil to receive the grass seeds. Is the soil of your heart good? Is it choked with unforgiveness or unrepentance? In order to gain peace and freedom in Christ, you must look inward and do the clearing of the things that hold you back from the life that God intended for you.
Let the Son Shine in.
Typist for Jesus
Mustard Seeds, Modern Parables 