Chains

Broken shackles lying on the floor plays in my mind when I hear recently released songs on Christian radio referencing chain-breaking. Although not in a physical prison, many I know walk in bondage to something. Perhaps it is a chronic health condition.

A broken relationship. Financial struggles. An addiction. Anxiety. Fear. Failure. There are many more, but the source of breaking any and all chains lies with Jesus.

In Luke 4, beginning in verse 18, Jesus quotes Isaiah 61:1 – a prophecy about himself. “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed;” We could spend days just on this verse; however, I want to focus on the liberty, or freedom, that is promised through Him. By walking with Jesus, He promised freedom and healing.

This aligns well with II Corinthians 3:17, “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” And, again, in John 8:36, “Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.”

Galatians 5:1 commands us to claim that freedom for our lives. “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.” It is easy to allow obstacles, health, disappointments, hurts and fears to ensnare us and distract us from the truth God promised of walking in freedom. Psalm 119:45 reminds us that we need to keep our focus on His promises and stay committed to the study of God’s Word. “And I will walk at liberty, for I seek Your precepts.” The condition to seek God’s precepts is vital!

This freedom is not of our own making, but completely from the work of Jesus on the cross as seen in II Corinthians 4:7. “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.” Facing struggles in this life, we have the assurance that God holds us securely in His hand. However, we need to be reminded that the war we fight is spiritual.

II Corinthians 10:4-5, “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.” When we place God’s Word, His promises, in right position and perspective in our lives, we overcome bondages.

Today, spend time asking God to reveal what binds you. Where are you struggling in life? As those come to light, look to God’s Word for the promises to break the chains that hold you back. Read those verses out loud and often, reminding yourself of what has already been accomplished on your behalf.

Please consider leaving a comment letting others know what new freedoms you have experienced or what promises you are reading.