What Haunts You?
October 16, 2023 11:47 PM
Something spectral lurks in the corners of our lives. An unseen fear or pain from the past that feels ever-present, dictating our actions in the present and looming over our future. This haunting presence may be a secret sin, a past failure, a broken relationship or some other buried hurt. Whatever form it takes, it holds power over us, keeping us trapped in regret, anger and despair. Though intangible, this “haunting” feels more real than the physical world around us. It is the phantasm that truly rules our lives.
The opening verses of Hebrews present Jesus as superior to the angels – exalted, enthroned and eternal. The angels, as impressive as they are, remain servants. Christ alone is the divine Savior-King before whom all heavenly beings bow. The question for us is, do we give Jesus that same preeminence in our lives? Or do we functionally let something else take the throne as the dominant force directing our steps each day?
Often, we subtly give in to a haunting presence from our past because facing it seems too painful or impossible. Confronting its power requires vulnerability and honesty with ourselves, God and others. But hiding from it only allows the darkness to grow. If we are ever to break free, we must name our haunting and dethrone it by enthroning Christ in its place. As Augustine prayed, “Our hearts are restless until they find their rest in Thee.”
We may feel alone in this struggle, but Scripture offers many examples of individuals haunted by their past. David was haunted by his adultery with Bathsheba and his murder of Uriah. He describes in Psalm 51 his pain and longing for spiritual cleansing. Peter was haunted by his denial of Jesus, leaving him afraid to face the disciples again until Jesus restored him. Paul was haunted by his persecution of the church, never forgetting he “was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man.”
But Scripture also gives hope that we can be free from the ghosts of our past through God’s power. When David confessed his sin, he found joy and gladness. Jesus forgave and recommissioned Peter into ministry. Paul encountered the grace of the risen Christ, finding purpose in proclaiming the gospel. As Hebrews says, Jesus’ sacrifice has made purification for sins once for all. Our haunting loses its power when it is exposed before the light and love of Christ.
Some common sources of haunting hurt that we all struggle with:
Fear – of past or potential future loss, failure, catastrophe or death. This robs us of peace and the ability to trust God.
Guilt – from specific sins or failures that make us feel unforgiveable. This steals our joy and sense of purpose.
Shame – an overall feeling of being defective, rejected or unlovable if others knew our struggles. This prevents vulnerability and intimacy.
Anger – toward others who have hurt or offended us. This poisons relationships and leads to bitterness.
So what haunts you? Ask God to reveal it, and be willing to share it with others. Name the haunting for what it is – a dead thing without power – compared to the living Christ who has conquered sin and death. What do you need to confessionally nail to the cross, laying it down before God so you are unbound from the past? Consider sharing your haunting with a pastor or trusted friend. Ask God to fill you with courage, remind you of his forgiveness, and empower you to take any needed steps of obedience, reconciliation, counseling or healing prayer.
The spectral, phantom fears of our past - they have no hold on us when our lives are hidden in Christ. He alone is enthroned high above every power, spirit and principality. God is within us and for us. Whom then shall we fear? What then can haunt us? Jesus reminds us, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
The opening verses of Hebrews present Jesus as superior to the angels – exalted, enthroned and eternal. The angels, as impressive as they are, remain servants. Christ alone is the divine Savior-King before whom all heavenly beings bow. The question for us is, do we give Jesus that same preeminence in our lives? Or do we functionally let something else take the throne as the dominant force directing our steps each day?
Often, we subtly give in to a haunting presence from our past because facing it seems too painful or impossible. Confronting its power requires vulnerability and honesty with ourselves, God and others. But hiding from it only allows the darkness to grow. If we are ever to break free, we must name our haunting and dethrone it by enthroning Christ in its place. As Augustine prayed, “Our hearts are restless until they find their rest in Thee.”
We may feel alone in this struggle, but Scripture offers many examples of individuals haunted by their past. David was haunted by his adultery with Bathsheba and his murder of Uriah. He describes in Psalm 51 his pain and longing for spiritual cleansing. Peter was haunted by his denial of Jesus, leaving him afraid to face the disciples again until Jesus restored him. Paul was haunted by his persecution of the church, never forgetting he “was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man.”
But Scripture also gives hope that we can be free from the ghosts of our past through God’s power. When David confessed his sin, he found joy and gladness. Jesus forgave and recommissioned Peter into ministry. Paul encountered the grace of the risen Christ, finding purpose in proclaiming the gospel. As Hebrews says, Jesus’ sacrifice has made purification for sins once for all. Our haunting loses its power when it is exposed before the light and love of Christ.
Some common sources of haunting hurt that we all struggle with:
Fear – of past or potential future loss, failure, catastrophe or death. This robs us of peace and the ability to trust God.
Guilt – from specific sins or failures that make us feel unforgiveable. This steals our joy and sense of purpose.
Shame – an overall feeling of being defective, rejected or unlovable if others knew our struggles. This prevents vulnerability and intimacy.
Anger – toward others who have hurt or offended us. This poisons relationships and leads to bitterness.
So what haunts you? Ask God to reveal it, and be willing to share it with others. Name the haunting for what it is – a dead thing without power – compared to the living Christ who has conquered sin and death. What do you need to confessionally nail to the cross, laying it down before God so you are unbound from the past? Consider sharing your haunting with a pastor or trusted friend. Ask God to fill you with courage, remind you of his forgiveness, and empower you to take any needed steps of obedience, reconciliation, counseling or healing prayer.
The spectral, phantom fears of our past - they have no hold on us when our lives are hidden in Christ. He alone is enthroned high above every power, spirit and principality. God is within us and for us. Whom then shall we fear? What then can haunt us? Jesus reminds us, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."