Sometimes the past lurks in the shadows, hiding from the light, spreading darkness.  Other times it stands out in the open, staring into our souls, destroying our hopes for the future. We stuff our memories deep into a closet, covering them up with odds and ends; then we close the door and stand with our backs up against it, hoping that nothing escapes and no one sees what we have hidden away in the recesses of our minds.

Our past has the ability to steal our present and future joy.  How?  By leaving us discontent with our present circumstances by constantly comparing events to the past, which somehow end up being glorified versions of reality.  We leave out details when reminiscing, details which were important because they caused much pain and suffering.  

Those memories stand in the way, blocking the path to intimacy.  How can we expect to truly be transparent when we are hiding behind days gone by with our backs against the closet door that is holding all of our secrets?  We can't.  But there is a solution.  God is in our midst, waiting for permission to empty our closets, to place everything into a bag, and to throw our past transgression into the deepest sea.  He can remove the road block.  He can make us new.

What is it in your past which you are holding onto which is preventing you from experiencing all the joy and intimacy that is waiting for you inside your marriage?  It is time to get out the black sharpie and mark through all of those things.  Quit highlighting a glorified version of your past.  Instead, let God highlight the present and lead you into a bright, new future.

Job 14:17 "My offenses will be sealed up in a bag; you will cover over my sin."