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]

Is there a raging undercurrent in the depths of your heart? Hidden by your church-smile exterior but present nonetheless? And when you read that phrase: ‘It is for freedom that Christ has set us free,’ do you have a repressed, violent reaction in your heart? Because there have been too many unanswered prayers, or so your mind tells you.

Various events have blighted your life, which nearly brought you down but you somehow survived. Even so, you’re scarred emotionally as a result. You find solace living in the shadows, as an outsider. Now the Bible fires this arrow at you, telling you that you’re ‘free’. Although you don’t feel free. You feel chained to whatever the issue is: personal struggles with evil, outside pressures, failures, health problems, loss and grief. The Memories. The Impossible. The Unspeakable. The Darkness. 

The Bible seems to mock you, with all this talk about freedom. ‘Seems’… but consider laying down that pain for a moment and listen to the wisdom of God: ‘For the word of God is alive and active’ (Heb 4). Jesus died on the cross for you = fact. It is a truth that dispels darkness. The writer of Galatians, Paul, is asserting what Christ did for us. It is FOR freedom that he set us free. That’s a green light from God to walk into liberty. Grace has been given to you: God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. But how do you get there? Simply go to Jesus. Get yourself in a place away from distractions and set time aside to pray. Confess yourself to him and listen to him. Jesus said: “Come to me, all you who are weary and I will give you rest.” He also said: “I will never turn away anyone who comes to me.” So, come to him. Stand firm in the freedom which his blood won for you – 2,000 years ago! God loves you.   

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Father God, I want my personal life to mirror my public life. I am still affected by this issue in my life. I look to you for healing. Thank you that I am not alone. You are with me. I open my heart to you now. I am listening. In Jesus’ name. Amen.