Freedom. How do you write a devotional about freedom in today’s world? When I started writing this, George Floyd had just been murdered. The world watched in horror as he died. No one could stop it. And within days riots broke out in Minneapolis, and soon across the country. Good folks lost their businesses, their life’s work and their hope. Their dreams melted in the flames, amidst broken glass and broken hearts. Fear began to well up and attempt to build stone walls around hearts.
Freedom. Is this what it feels like to be free, Lord? Our country is known to be the land of the free and the home of the brave. But lately, I’m not feeling so free or very brave. I’m confused, at times, less than hopeful and just plain scared.
I love God’s oxymorons. You know, the poor are rich, the weak are strong, rich red blood washes our sins as white as snow! Paul says in Romans 6:22 that we are free from sin, and slaves to Christ. And God reminds us that in Jesus, we have the ultimate freedom.
Jesus has paid the price. In him, we can find true freedom! Freedom from worry, doubt, fear, anxiety and oppression — these are just a few of the things that wrap around our feet and hold us back. There’s unforgiveness, hatred, anger, and bitterness too and the Bible warns against them all. So let’s look at what the Bible prescribes for freedom.
Trust Jesus with all your heart.
Trust in the Lord with all of your heart. And do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make straight your paths (Proverbs 3:5, RSV).
Keep your eyes on him.
Matthew 14:22-33 tells us the story of Peter walking to the Lord ON the water! It was only when Peter turned his focus from Jesus to the winds and the waves that he began to sink. But when Peter cried out to Jesus, he immediately saved him (v 31).
Ask our Lord.
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives to all men generously and without reproaching, and it will be given him (James 1:5, RSV).
Hope in God.
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my help and my God (Psalms 42:5, RSV). Not only do we hope in Jesus but we rejoice in him.
Dream.
Take delight in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart (Psalms 37:4). Don’t forget to dream! What are your passions? What does your heart yearn for? Ask the Lord to show you his purposes for today, and take time to delight in him and dream.
Forgive and be forgiven.
For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father also will forgive you; but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses (Matthew 6:14, RSV). If this is hard for you, seek a Christian friend, pastor, or a prayer counselor to help you process the hurt that you are dealing with. Forgiveness does not mean to forget, but forgiveness leads to freedom.
After reading all of these verses I’d like to ask you, What threatens your freedom? What stands in between you and all that our Lord has to offer you? Identify the enemy and his tactics and ask God what he has for you instead. Because true freedom can be found in Christ. It is also kept in Christ. Though the world may be in turmoil, Jesus will keep our minds in peace and our feet on solid ground.
Journal / Reflection Questions
What are you struggling with today? What enslaves you? Where do you need freedom?
Choose a Scripture from above and meditate on it. Ask the Lord to give you insight as to where he wants to bring freedom to you.
Pray this prayer out loud: Dear Lord, thank you for freedom. Thank you for your Word which gives us hope, direction, and wisdom. May I find my hope and freedom in you! Amen.
Cindy and her husband live in Blaine. She enjoys spending time with family, camping, writing, studying God’s Word, and being creative at her job as a high school data management secretary. She has a passion to see women grow in their faith and encourage each other.