Skip to main content

Freedom as a Lifestyle

In Psalm 129, the Israelites express their frustration for being persecuted since youth and they ask God to cut the cords that tie them to the wicked.  For them, it's about slavery and the way they've been treated in the past; for us it's more about being slaves to the things that torment us - like depression, addictions, anxiety, etc. God is trying to teach us, in this day, that:
Our suffering is not a lifestyle, it is merely a gateway to our freedom in Christ.
Suffering is not a phase we live in for the rest of our lives while we wither away in sorrow and frustration - it should be used as an opportunity for God to cut the chains that bind us so we can experience true freedom in him.

For example, years ago when financial burdens plagued us I used to get very worried, stressed and hopeless about our situation. I would try to come up with ways we could earn more money to afford the things that came up unexpectedly. I lived this way - chained down to this fear of lack of provision - until a person of peace came along and spoke truth into our lives. He said, "God will always provide for you. You will never find yourself lacking and you will never want for anything. Live as if he's already taken care of you." This one piece of truth changed everything; it broke the chain of fear in my life and freed me from worrying about providing for myself. Fast forward to present day---> the program I teach part of my work day for got cut. It provides half of what I bring home each month so this news should have me in a tizzy; however, with the knowledge that God will take care of us financially, I'm not worried about it. I'm excited about whatever new opportunity he has for me and relieved that it frees up my time to work with my husband. I'm disappointed that this program is coming to an end, but I'm excited and curious about what God is creating on the back burner for everyone affected by this change.

When we are suffering and take the time to hear a word of knowledge from God himself or from a person of peace, the chains that bind us to our fears and sicknesses get unlocked. We gain freedom as we stop listening to the voices of reason around us and start listening to the one voice that has all the knowledge and truth. Greater freedom is directly related to becoming more in touch with God's realm and voice.

Please at this moment, or when you get a free moment, ask Jesus about what is plaguing you and ask him to reveal his truth about this situation. If you're willing, ask him to help you realize the truth and take it on as your new identity. Ask him to guide you in your new freedom and thank him for his love and kindness. I can't wait to see my readers experience this change and hopefully you'll share it with me!
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Reforming Undesirable Behavior

You know that thing you do that you don't wanna do but you keep doing it because you can't stop doing it? These behaviors might include: lying, cheating, raging, gossiping, pornography, drinking, drugs, eating, throwing up, etc. Reforming these behaviors on your own can prove to be a little tricky. I'd say reforming undesirable behavior might even be impossible on your own. But there is still hope for us. With the love of God, the power of the Holy Spirit and a renewed mind, you can reform your behavior. Youth conference with lots of God encounters! An encounter with God is the easiest way to reform undesirable behavior because the encounter will fill you with the fear of the Lord. The fear of the Lord renews our minds in a way that informs our bodies of what's beneficial to our spiritual health in the eyes of God. So, your mouth doesn't want to lie anymore; your tongue won't allow you to eat certain things; your eyes will be opened to the evil of pornogra
Post a Comment
Read more

Don't Pick Up Hitch Hikers...

My husband's passion for hearing God and sharing his words is inspiring. The knowledge God gives him to articulate to his people is astounding. It amazes me that my husband holds these spiritual words within him and nearly bursts with excitement on Sunday trying to get it all out to a physical world. Which brings up Joshua 23. This chapter is Joshua's final charge to the leaders and future generations. What is a charge? It's kind of like issuing a challenge and a warning all at the same time. At weddings, the minister charges the couple with the responsibility associated with marriage...in Joshua, he is charging the leaders to beware of the physical world around them. They've driven out the big tribes from the Promised Land but a few stragglers still remain and Joshua warns the leaders to avoid any entanglements with them. Temptation is sure to be present among these stragglers and they would be wise to remember all God has done for them. He said: 6 “Be very strong;
2 comments
Read more

Moving Forward

Wouldn't it be fun to go back and live life knowing what you know now? To experience life a second time, knowing the end and that everything turned out just fine? Well, we can't go back. So let's go FORWARD knowing we will be victorious through God! Let's move forward knowing that we come out better, stronger, healthier people! Live your life with joy in the Lord and enthusiasm in who he's made you to be. Get excited about the daily grind and consider it a blessing. Each day is a day you won't get back and get to relive, so live like it matters. Get excited about God's purpose and timing because it is perfect!
2 comments
Read more