It’s ok to say no when people from the past who may have caused you pain try to reenter your life. They may call it bitterness but in actuality its boundaries and protection for you physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Remind yourself and them:

⁃ It’s not bitterness because you’ve already forgiven them.

⁃ It’s not bitterness because you’ve already been healed.

⁃ It’s not bitterness because you still have joy. And the joy of the Lord is your strength.

⁃ It’s not bitterness because you’ve taken God at His word that says as a man soweth that shall he also reap. God not you will repay every evil deed.

⁃ It’s not bitterness. It’s boundaries. It’s faith and trust in God that He is shielding and protecting you from dangers seen and unseen. By not allowing you to re-enter cycles of chaos and destruction.

Hold on to the promises of God. Making a declaration of faith that whatever season you may go through, go with gladness not bitterness setting boundaries that will cause the promises of God to be fulfilled in your life and not hindered by the terrors of the past.

The Word of God keeps us spiritually healthy which brings the joy, peace, and grace of God into our lives. Grace is the divine power of God given by Him to help us to live lives that are pleasing to Him. Does that mean that doing what we feel is right or pleasing to God? No.

We should consult God about everything. And while waiting on Him, resting, trusting, and learning to operate in His strength and power and not our own. WAIT. REST. REPEAT. This process will help us to avoid certain mistakes. And gives us avenues not to fall into sin. Letting the grace of God not guilt and shame abound in our lives daily.

The Word of God gives a jolt to the spirit, kick starting it, then fueling it so that it can function at a higher capacity.

Colossians 3:16 encourages believers to let "The Word of Christ dwell richly...”.

Dwelling "richly" is allowing the Word to take permanent residence in us, filling us to the brim daily, allowing complete influence over our lives.

Think of yourself like a sponge "soaked" in or full of the Word. When life "squeezes" you through pressures or trials, guess what leaks out? THE WORD! Because that’s what you’re soaked in, what you’re full of! No matter how hard life squeezes, you’ll always find scripture flowing out of you.

Learn to enjoy the Word. Let it be satisfying to you like your favorite food or beverage. God’s word is fresh, new, and exciting. It’s an adventure discovering more and more every day. Look forward to spending time with God in His word. Because he surely looks forward to spending time with you.