Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. – 2 Corinthians 1:17
Land of the free….home of the brave. Those words seem like a fairytale when you’re half way around the world. But the word “free” can go so much deeper when you’re talking about more than just a country. That word speaks so much about how a person feels about their own worth….
Freedom from lies, deceit, and a past that continues to haunt you. Freedom from fear, regret, and judgement that’s been cast upon you. The list could go on and on….but to be free? Completely free? Free from it all? To have the weight of your troubles, your problems, your feelings of condemnation lifted off of your shoulders, and taken away. To have chains broken, walls shatter and crumble to the ground, and a life of utter….freedom? Is that even possible? Could it ever be a reality?
We walk through this life carrying burdens of our past, of what our future may bring, of things we never knew even existed….or pushed it so far back in our minds that we have chosen to forget about it. The weight slowly begins to press upon our shoulders as the years go by. We’re told to hold our feelings in, to not show emotion, because that is a sign of weakness….and we don’t show weakness. We’re told to “suck it up”, to keep going, and to act as though everything is find and OK….how passive aggressive of us. The weight continues to press….harder and harder upon our shoulders….until we’re about to break….and unfortunately…..for some of us…..we crumble.
So what do we do then? How do we reach this place of peace and of freedom?
There’s an answer for this turmoil….for this life that we’ve been told to live. Is it easy? Of course not. Is it worth it? Absolutely. The solution is quite simple, but requires a bit of effort. The answer? Take your burdens, your problems, your worries….and lay it down at our beautiful Father’s feet. Write it down, look at it, pray over it, and give it over to God. Let Him carry it for you….He won’t mind….I promise. There is nothing too big or too small for Him.
My salvation and my honor depend on god, He is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge. Psalm 62:7-8
It won’t be something that happens immediately. This takes time. It could take a day, a week, a month, or longer….I’m still working on some things myself. Things that have stemmed from over 20 years. But let me tell you….when that first chain is broken….there’s a taste of freedom that is so sweet, so beautiful, so lovely….it’s breathtaking. I dare you to try it.
So take a deep breath, let it out, and repeat if needed. Know that this is hard. It can be grueling, unsettling, and a bit scary. I can promise, though, that you won’t regret this in the end. So go ahead….dive in.
I love the Lord, for He heard my voice; He heard my cry for mercy. Because He turned His ear to me, I will call on Him as long as I live. – Psalm 116:1-2
