Letting Go of Emotional Baggage

Divine Inspirations | by Dee Davis

Scripture Focus:

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.” — Hebrews 12:1 (NLT)

Devotional Thought

We all carry things we were never meant to hold—memories of failure, words that cut deep, disappointments that still sting, and regrets we replay far too often. These become “emotional baggage,” weighing down our hearts and slowing our steps.

Midlife can be especially heavy because it’s a season when the past and present collide. We grieve what didn’t happen, hold onto who hurt us, and sometimes even wrestle with forgiving ourselves. But here’s the truth: God never designed us to drag these weights through life’s journey.

The writer of Hebrews reminds us that there is a race set before us—a race with purpose, joy, and victory. But to run freely, we must let go of the unnecessary weight. Just like a traveler unpacks what they don’t need for the road ahead, God invites us to release what keeps us burdened: bitterness, shame, guilt, unforgiveness, and even the lies we’ve believed about ourselves.

My Personal Testimony

One day, sitting alone in the dark, I suddenly burst into tears. I was angry. I was hurt. And I wanted something—anything—to be done about it. I didn’t have any answers because I couldn’t see beyond the pain and betrayal I felt.

Then the thought came to me: I was bitter. So bitter that I was literally poisoning myself as indifference, resentment, and regret crowded in, demanding I embrace their presence. I began to see everything through their lenses because I would not let go of the betrayal done to me—and even more so, the betrayal I allowed! The mask I was wearing was becoming increasingly difficult to maintain.

How had my life, my relationships, and so much more become so unmanageable? I loved the Lord, but I had allowed my hurt to become bigger in my life than God. And that is when I knew: I could not stop leaning on Him for help, or I feared being totally consumed by my negative and toxic emotions.

Friends, maybe you’ve been there too. Maybe you are there right now. But the same God who met me in my tears will meet you in yours. His love is stronger than betrayal, His peace is deeper than bitterness, and His grace is greater than regret.

Supporting Scriptures

• “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” — 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)

• “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28 (NIV)

These verses remind us that God invites us to release our burdens, lay them at His feet, and trust His care for us.

 Reflection Questions

1. What “weight” or emotional baggage are you still carrying that God is asking you to release?

2. How has holding onto this burden affected your prayer life, joy, peace, or relationships?

3. What would it look like to surrender it today and walk lighter in faith?

A Charge to Action

This week, identify one specific piece of emotional baggage you’ve been carrying—perhaps a lingering regret, an old wound, or a heavy “what if.” Write it down on a piece of paper. Then, in prayer, symbolically hand it over to God. Tear up the paper as a reminder that you are not bound by that weight anymore. Replace the memory with a scripture promise, declaring God’s truth over your life. Do this as often as you need to.

Closing Prayer

Father, I thank You for reminding me that I was never meant to carry the weight of yesterday into today. Help me to release every burden, regret, and wound that hinders my walk with You. Teach me to forgive where forgiveness is needed, including myself. Fill my heart with Your peace and my steps with Your freedom, so I may run the race You’ve set before me with endurance and joy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Stay encouraged and be blessed.