Freedom
What we believe has the power to change our whole lives. The things we give the most energy and time to eventually shape our patterns of thinking, which alter our behavior, and then become a part of who we are. Our minds are powerful tools, that can be used for the benefit of the Kingdom, or can be used against it.
Part of what I've been learning is how important it is to take an inventory of my mind. Making a note of the thoughts that are taking up big chunks of my time and my energy, helps me understand which lies I keep meditating on. Writing down the most consistent thoughts, that seem to affect me emotionally or mentally, can help in pinpointing what toxic lies need to be replaced with God's Word. We can also ask God's help in this as well; He does know all of our thoughts even before we submit it to Him.
Diving right in to the vulnerability pool, I keep having this toxic thought that I'm not good enough. The lie tells me that I have to do more or be more in order for me to feel better. It says that I have to do more in order to be worthy of rest; or that I have to be more in order to be worthy of love. Writing it down now, it sounds silly and untrue. But how much time throughout my days have I came back and dwelled on this thought? Or reacted in way that aligns with this lie, and not God's truth?
I think about it like this: who would I be if I believed God in every aspect of my life and of His Word?
I've had moments where my confidence overshadowed my doubts, and I felt beautifully free. Imagine living everyday like that? *Insert tears* Because we can! We have God's Truth and His power living inside of us to testify of all the things that have already been done for us; the Truth is: we are already free! I am already free!
I don't have to wait for tomorrow, for the sun to come up and shine fresh for me to feel like I can start over. I don't have to wait for my blemishes to clear up, for me to lose a few pounds so my clothes will fit better, for my diet to be perfectly healthy, for my personality to be polished and always on point, for all of my insecurities to disappear, for the enemy to stop bullying me, for all the others lies to completely disappear, for my struggles not bother me anymore, for all conflict and trouble and heartache to cease; no. Freedom is available right now, if we want it. And I don't know about you, but I need it.
To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32
"So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." John 8:36
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1
You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. Galatians 5:13
I need rest. It doesn't matter what we've done, or not done, today, there's rest available when we're tired:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:28-29
It doesn't say, come to me, those who have toiled all day and labored all night. It doesn't say come to me, except those who weren't productive today. Jesus didn't give an exception or a condition: He said come to Him, all of US who are weary and burdened, and He will give US rest.
I am beautiful. It doesn't matter what the standards are for the rest of the world, or where we fall on someone else's spectrum. God made us with His hands, making us masterpieces from the time we choose to believe it until this body no longer serves a purpose on earth; besides, God doesn't look at us the way we see ourselves, He is after our hearts:
How beautiful you are, my darling! Oh, how beautiful! Your eyes are doves. Song of Songs 1:15
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalms 139:14
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10
But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7
I am enough. We don't have to toil or labor or work harder than we do right now.
We don't have to be more talented. We don't have to be more creative. We don't have to have a huge group of friends, or a huge following, to matter. We don't have to have life all figured out. We don't have to be anything other than what we already are, right now:
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16
As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him. 1 John 2:27
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9
Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Colossians 3:23
And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8
- Closing Prayer -
Father God, we thank You for Your word, for Your love, and for Your faithfulness that completes us and makes us whole. We thank You for Your freedom, for who You have set free, Lord God, is free indeed.
We pray for the wisdom to practically apply Your truths to our daily lives Father God. We pray for forgiveness in our hearts for those we have not forgiven, and include them in this prayer of freedom and love. We pray that by the power of the Holy Spirit, You set all Your children free from the bondage of the lies we have believed in our hearts, Lord God. We pray for Your love to prevail and for our hearts and minds to be protected and guarded in You, Father God. We pray for Your truth to bring light into our hearts and change the way we think and the way we live, Father God. May Your love break us free, Lord God, in every aspect of every way so that we may carry out Your will for our lives, with boldness and unstoppable and unshakeable faith.
We pray this in Jesus' mighty, name. Amen!