In this life there are many trials. The last few days we have heard stories of war, of crime, of murder of children and church-school staff adults, of enemy nations consorting together, of political rivalries, of WOKE, of alternate lifestyles, of riots and disputes. Yes, negativity sells papers, they used to say. Murder mysteries and spy stories provide entertainment and encourage page-turners and cliff hangers, exciting our passions.
Where is one to find freedom and peace in our cable-minute-by-minute drama, in livestreaming, and in instantaneous messaging. Who among us can live a day without the pings and ring tones? We are addicted to up-to-the minute sensationalism. We thrive on “What’s New?” or the latest gossip, or the instant Alerts. We post pictures to advertise our one-upmanship lifestyles wondering, “Can you top this?”
We plan trips to “get away from it all,” yet bring the “I’ve got to know everything about everyone else, even while I’m trying to escape all that” mentality. Do we really “get away from it all at all?”
As I see it, there are only a few absolutes. For those of us who live a life transformed by God, we think more about eternal things than earthly ones. We recognize that this life, with all its domination of things, excitement, minte-by-minute concerns, is temporary. We concentrate on eternity. When God calls us to Himself, He shows us that the tings of this world will pass away, but life in His eternal realm is worth our concentration. We have freedom in knowing that God is sovereign, that He is in control, and that He will turn all things to good in His mercy, for those who love Him and keep His commandments.
We have the freedom to know this truth: “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present not the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God, that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8)
That is true freedom!
MY PSALM 336 FREEDOM
Dear Heavenly Father, Lord of All,
We rejoice as we read the words of Paul this day:
“Where the spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom!”
Because of Jesus’ love for us,
Because of His sacrifice,
We live in a loving relationship with Him.
No longer is there fear of being separated
From Your Presence, from Your influence in our lives,
Since, through Jesus and the Holy Spirit,
You live in us and we know Your Presence.
We are blessed to live this side of the Cross,
For we know our iniquities are now far from us
When we confess our sins and repent,
Since Jesus has atoned for our transgressions,
We know the freedom of cleansing.
We are power-washed in the blood of Jesus
And are cleansed from within.
Thank You for that freedom.
We are blessed to live as Your heirs,
Heirs of salvation through the work of Jesus.
You have called us Your sons and daughters,
Heirs to the kingdom, Yours for eternity.
No longer do we fear death’s destruction.
No longer do we tremble at the thought of judgment,
For You have provided a way for salvation.
Thank You for that freedom.
You have taught us
To live in peace with our brothers and sisters.
You provide guidance for forgiveness,
And give us strength to forgive.
You teach us to love others as ourselves,
Because we first love You, Who first loves us.
Give us the confidence
That comes with being vulnerable with others,
For wishing their good over our own,
For releasing pride and self-serving
To better the world in Your Name and for Your sake.
Thank You for that freedom.
You have given us a sense of peace and calm
We so lacked before. You bear our burdens
And lighten our load. We cast our cares on You.
We do not have to earn our salvation or Your Presence,
For You give it freely to us, although its price was heavy,
Even the agonizing death of Your Son, Jesus Christ.
Yet, in His resurrection, You provide us a way to heaven,
And peace that passes all human understanding.
Thank You for that freedom.
You have given us freedom from want,
For You are all that we need.
We no longer need to strive in this lifetime
But are satisfied and gratified by what You provide.
We know all good things come from Your hand,
And in thanksgiving, we are satisfied with our state.
For we know that we have riches beyond compare
In the gift of Jesus Christ and the relationship we have
With the Lord of the Universe. All is well.
Thank You for that freedom.
You have given us the joy of recognizing that all is well.
In Jesus’ resurrection
You conquered our last enemy, death.
We were doomed to think this life is the end of all
Without Jesus.
You have given us Your Word which tells of heaven,
You have told us about Your New Kingdom,
Where beauty, peace, and Your Glory will reign,
And where we will one day spend eternity.
Thank You for that freedom.
We have a purpose, to live for Your glory
And to praise You forever.
No longer do Your people need to be concerned
About our place in this world,
For we now live for You and Your praise and glory.
Let us to everything in Your Name.
Let us be a sweet fragrance
Of Your love as we meet others.
Let us be strong to finish the race to Your honor,
And let us be part of Your cloud of witnesses
To share Your message with others.
Thank You for that freedom
And the joy of being Yours
While life endures and hereafter.
In Jesus’ Precious Name and for Your Glory. Amen.
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