Freedom

Ahh, freedom.  What a lovely word and concept.  Don't we love to be free.  But freedom seems like that dream we keep reaching for but is so hard to attain.  We think we reach freedom in an area only to find ourselves in bondage in another area.  Freedom.  Freedom.  How do we reach this thing, this place called freedom?

John 8: 31-32 says;
So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed Him, "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

Well, how many of us think we are doing just that but we are not experiencing freedom?  Count me as one with my hand raised saying yes, that's been me!!  But what if I tell you that I have found freedom?  Would you, do you, want to know what I have found?  Before I answer, keep in mind the following scripture:

1 Cor 1: 26-31
For consider your calling, brothers, not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth.  But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise.  God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.  And because of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord."

The world tells us to be free we must be our own person.  Take care of yourself.  Do what you want to do.  There is no right and wrong.  Don't let anyone tell you what to do.  Be your own boss.  Well, really, how's that been working for ya?

I have found the greatest freedom that I have ever experienced by doing just the opposite. 

I decided to follow Jesus a long time ago.  But I never really made Him the LORD of my life.  You know, I had a relationship with Him and with God thru Jesus, but I still wanted and went my own way.  And let me tell you, many mistakes, poor choices, wavering decisions, tormenting thoughts, anxieties, stress, (I could go on and on) followed me as I went my own way.  Thank God, He cares to much to leave us where we're at if we are seeking Him and our heart is for Him.  He grows us and leads us like any good father does.  Allowing us to make our mistakes so we learn.  Allowing us the opportunity to use what we learn from our mistakes to hopefully help someone else learn.  And maybe save them some hardship.

The freedom that I have found has come through learning about and accepting the sovereignty of God.  It has come from placing myself under His authority.  Most of my decisions are already made.  The important ones anyway.  The answers are found in the instruction Book God has given us - His Holy Word.  When I put myself under His authority and live by His standards and instructions, my decisions have already been made.  I don't have to think, and think, and think some more.  I don't have to let things keep me up at night.  I just do what He says in His Word.  I pray and seek His will then I try to follow it to the best of my ability.  The stress is off of me.  When I give Him the authority in my life I am covered by Him.  How cool is that?  My life becomes His responsibility.  What happens to me is His responsibility.  Just like when I was young, my well-being was my daddy's responsibility.  In his human ability, he did the best that he could.  Guess what?  My heavenly Father isn't fallible like my earthly father.  My heavenly Father knows all things and He ALWAYS has my best in mind.  I don't have to understand the whys, the wheres, the hows.  I just have to trust that He loves me, He wants what's best for me.  He knows how to get me to where He wants me to be.  He is God and there is none other!  And He is my "Abba, Father".  My heavenly Daddy.  Does that mean everything is always peachy, no bad things or circumstances - certainly not!  My daddy had to bring discipline and my Daddy brings discipline when I need it.  Not what I deserve, mind you.  But He knows what I need.  PERIOD.  And sometimes there are circumstances that He allows in my life that aren't even about me.  It may be something to help someone else.  Something to bring Him glory as I receive whatever His hand gives me.  As I receive it still knowing and believing His undying, unfailing love for me. 

So, freedom.  FREEDOM.  The world's way - don't let anyone tell you what is right or wrong.  Do things your way.  God's way - trust Me.  Follow Me.  I've got your back.  I know the beginning and the end.  I've got this thing covered! 

So choose.  The world's way of seeking freedom that leads to death.  Or God's way which leads to life.

Romans 8: 5-8
For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.  For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.  For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot.  Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.