I don’t know about you, but I am glad 2019 is over . Seems like there are a lot of people that I know that feel the same way. 2019 held a lot of challenges for me in many ways. I like to think that they made me a better Christian and that I’ve grown from them, but the reality of what I feel is, I would rather just forget and move on. Really wishing I could just burn some parts/events of the past year as if they never happened.
The wildfires in Australia have me captivated. So much devastation and destruction in such a beautiful country, I have been praying some how they can get them under control. Watching this news, I first learned of the phrase “controlled burn.” So I googled it and learn according to the USDA Forest Service, a controlled burn is a fire intentionally ignited to meet specific land management objectives.
It’s actually a good thing to set something on fire?
The good that happens after a controlled burn:
Prepares the land for new growth.
Restores and Renews the soil.
The surrounding ecology depends on the fire.
Essentially fire doesn’t just destroy, it can regenerate.
So, I’m thinking I can have a “controlled burn” in my mind as well …
Those challenges that I wish to wipe out, I’m glad to get rid of, no longer occupying my thoughts with negativity. Basically symbolically burning the brush of the past and removing those bitter weeds. Once I do this my soul can feel nourished and allow room for restoration and renewal.
Some biblical encouragement:
Isaiah 43:18
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.”Philippians 3:13
“…. but one thing I do, Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead…”Philippians 4:8
“Finally, brothers and sisters, 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.”
I read Philippians 4:8 and get excited. Who knows; if I can really focus on pure, lovely, excellent, and praiseworthy things, I might find that I won’t have any fires to put out at this time next year!