Here goes....

[galloping]

I have something in my past that I have talked to a past pastor about, this was a few years ago, I recieved alot of support around this issue, I felt that I had moved on from this issue, but the root is still there I have realised over the past 6 months or so. It is something from my childhood, I can distract myself from it, keep busy, start new things and it goes away, but it comes back as sure as the new day....I'm sorry if this sounds like waffle.

*sigh*

I can function but sometimes the emotional pain that I carry hidden is so hard to bear.

What I am seeking advice for is whether to talk to my 'new' pastor about this ... or not.

I have no idea how I would broach the subject. I don't want to be seen as moaning, I don't want sympathy

I am really shy I suppose, and find it hard to talk. That's why I'm asking you guys on here.

Years ago I did have counselling for a few weeks about this issue, but when I'm fine... I'm fine.... and think I don't need it.

I'm not bipolar I know that much. I don't know what God wants me to do. I really don't.

I can feel comfort in Gods presence but the closer I draw to God this issue, like a thorn is there, and I want it to go away. Maybe it never will but what should I do?

Edited February 7, 2013 by galloping

[joi]

There is probably not one person who posts here that does not have something in their past that they regret terribly.

When I divorced my son's dad I went through what I viewed as hell. Things went down from there. I got to the point

that I could not distinguish one emotion from another. When I finally hit bottom I had no place to go but to God.

Once we confess something God removes it from us as far as the east is from the west. Think about that!

1 John 1:9 tells us this: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Once confessed that sin does not belong to you any more - you have given it to Him and it was covered at the cross, under

the blood of Christ.

You have an accuser. He, Satan, will wart you until you are miserable and I believe this is a possibility of what is happening to you.

He will do all in his power to make you feel guilty - I know, it happens to me.

John 8:44 [i post this verse to indicate what Jesus had to say about Satan.]

Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

You are free from his accusations, God said so!

John 8:36

If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

Claim your freedom!

I pray that our Father will give you freedom from your past and the ability to claim it, because Jesus bought that freedom for you.

This is a message on the accuser should you be interested in reading it.

http://www.1timothy4...ch/accuser.html

[Sevenseas]

Joi ~ galloping states that the issue stems from her childhood so perhaps it may have been something perpetuated ON her rather than

something she herself did

It is something from my childhood, I can distract myself from it, keep busy, start new things and it goes away, but it comes back as sure as the new day....I'm sorry if this sounds like waffle.

Otherwise you are spot on!

I am not digging for details, but a qualified biblical counselor might be preferable to your new pastor....if yr pastor is new, you really do not

have an idea of what they are like? Might be a great pastor but a not so great counselor...they are not the same thing...however, scripture is

definitely your counselor..but it sounds to me like you need someone to pray with you and go over the scriptures together with...that can be

very helpful and strengthening

Joi is right when she states that we all have things we deal with on a continual basis...I understand that you find this very difficult...I pray

that you are able to go forward and that God will enable you to find the right person to help you deal with this issue

and yes, do take advantage of the link provided

[BFP]

If it is something someone did to hurt you then the ultimate answer is true forgiveness. Giving the pain to God, and going on from there. It is a little harder than it sounds, but once you really do, you'll see that the pain subsides and your life can go on.

I have found however that there are stages we go through in life, we reach certain ages where we suddenly have "Aha!" moments and things that used to hurt dont really bother us any more.

Keep praying and no matter what, forgive others. There is real freedom in forgiveness.

[desi2007]

Hello galloping,

I wanted to comment here on some things I see. Joi spoke with words of wisdom here, so true, alot of truth in what she posted on.

and also, The holy spirit will take you back to those unhealing moments in your life. Grieving is a hope in Christ.

Faith will help you move forward. God is working in you.

praying for you galloping, may the Lord show you what real faith is and may He give you the mind of christ and eyes of the spirit of God.

God Bless,

desi

[galloping]

I have forgiven what happened in the past....that is not an issue.

I'd like to know if talking to my pastor is a good idea or not, I fully take on board that he may not be gifted in counselling, and that is why I am reluctant to talk to him. But surely pastors should know how their 'sheep' are doing?? I think he knows something is up, then again sometimes i think I am imagining it.

Maybe I could ask him for a recommended counsellor? I'd really appreciate some direct advice here.

[Sevenseas]

If it were me, I would ask the church secretary...just ask if the church has a counselor on staff...don't commit to untrained lay people

who think it is their gift. Sorry if I sound negative...I have seen people hurt and confused by well meaning people who had no

business to counsel anyone

If yr church is smaller, then perhaps a pastor might know how his sheep are doing, but how many pastors make house visits these days?

These days it's usually an office, a staff and who knows what all..

It can be really good to share this with someone who will pray with you....even a trusted friend and certainly pray about finding the right person

to counsel with

[missmuffet]

If we are a believer in Jesus Christ we ask for forgivness of our sins and He forgives us......period.The hardest thing for us to do is to forgive ourselves.Don't look back in that mirror.It will only bring grief,heartache,guilt and anxiety.

[Littlelambseativy]

Continuing to talk about it keeps it fresh in your mind. Take it to Jesus and put it under His Blood and leave it there. Ask Jesus to help you forgive this person and walk away knowing that you no longer bear the burden but Jesus does and He will make all things right. He will carry the pain not you. But to continually talk to someone about it will not bring the relief that Jesus will give it will only keep it fresh in your mind. No one understands like He does.

[Sevenseas]

Gee whiz folks...there is nothing wrong with sharing or seeing a counselor ..in fact, as Christians we are supposed to share. How do you know talking

will not help? If galloping wants to talk how does saying just forget it and go to Jesus help?

I don't think that helps at all. Sometimes a person really needs help to get past something. I've been on both sides of the issue...needing help

and giving help and I would never turn away someone who wants to talk. That is part of being here on this earth for each other.

What works for one person may not work for another. I think we need to meet people where they are and not tell them what worked for us personally.

Just my 2 cents