Breaking Down Barriers

Do you ever catch yourself getting upset over the littlest things? Have you lost your temper over something small and later wondered why? Do you struggle with self-doubt, frustration, or failure fatigue?

Emotional pain from our present and past can build barriers that hinder us from moving forward — if we let them. Therefore, we must recognize these hindrances, uncover their roots, and properly dismantle them to embrace true freedom.

“So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law.” Galatians 5:1

Triggers

Early childhood experiences influence our adult beliefs and behaviors. If our experiences are negative or traumatic, they can steal our joy. The origin of the emotional roadblocks we face today can be found in the experiences we encountered earlier in life. When sin intersects our lives, whether by us or others, it causes us to store up hurt, hatred, and a host of destructive emotions. If we allow these emotions to remain, they create triggers that negatively influence our thoughts, decisions, and behaviors.

“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:31-32

Once we identify the sin experience (sin by us, sin against us, or sin in the world) that has caused us to build up these emotional barriers, we are better prepared to begin the critical process of tearing them down.

“Sanctification does not mean we don’t go back to the past as we press ahead to what God has for us – It actually demands we go back in order to break free from unhealthy and destructive patterns that prevent us from loving ourselves and others the way God designed.” – Peter Scazzero

When I revisited my spiritual foundation and earlier life experiences, I discovered that most of my unforgiveness, bitterness, and insecurities were directly related to my past. Once I identified the roots of my internal roadblocks I began to understand why I constructed them in the first place. Then, I was finally able to begin breaking free from my tendency toward negative thoughts and destructive emotions.

The word “broken” is used over 120 times in Scripture and regularly speaks of our personal condition here on earth.  It’s essential we identify and admit the sin (by us, against us, or in the world) that has caused us to create emotional barriers. But — we cannot stop there! Once we’ve admitted we have roadblocks, we must uncover their origin and dedicate ourselves to the process of dismantling them. It’s time to break free from self-doubt, insecurity, and fear!

Join me today and take the following steps to admit, uncover, and dismantle your emotional barriers so you too can fully embrace the true peace, freedom, and joy God is offering!

5. Spend quiet time with God and ask Him to help you identify your destructive attitudes and feelings.
6. Journal what God reveals to you and ask Him to help you uncover the roots of your negative emotions.
7. Lay your hurt and painful memories at the foot of the cross where they can be healed and ask God to heal your heart and give you peace.
8. Write the following Bible verses on note cards and commit them to memory:
   1. John 16:33 — I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
   2. Jeremiah 30:17 — I will give you back your health and heal your wounds,” says the Lord.
   3. Isaiah 41:10 — Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
9. Confess your feelings to a trusted friend, mentor, or counselor and ask them to support and encourage you as you break down destructive emotional barriers in your life.