Soldiers are a tough bunch. They have a hundred different sayings that basically amount to communicating, “The past isn’t important. I must perform in the present.” A good soldier doesn’t dwell on the past or on personal issues but makes his or her efforts count now.

Indeed, there are times to tough things out—for example, when you’re engaged in firefight in a war zone. In that case, your primary goal is success of the mission, followed by survival for you and your battle buddies. Real life, however, is not meant to be “toughed out.”

When we put away or ignore the past, our wounds fester. We must search out these old wounds, knowing they’ll be painful, and ask God to heal them. We sometimes need counselors in the process, and almost always need the help of friends and loved ones.

Survey the wilderness of your past. You will discover that the Lord was carrying you the whole time—the way I’ve carried my little son. Trust that God was with you in your past so you can know the hope of truly trusting Him in the days ahead.