How many of us remain in an emotional prison cell, when Christ has opened the door? As we approach July 4, the day our nation celebrates freedom, may we also remember the freedom that we have in Christ. He died to set the captives free (Luke 4:18). If we are in Him, we are no longer bound to sin, darkness, and oppression. His anointing destroys the yoke of bondage (Isaiah 10:27). We have been freed from emotional torment, depression, anger, shame, rejection, addictions, maladaptive coping mechanisms, lust, perversion, and so on. We have been set free from the things that would seek to keep us bound. Yet we remain in bondage. Why?
Accepting the truth of God, his word, and his power in our lives can be challenging. What keeps us from accepting the freedom that Christ has given us? Oftentimes, it's the lies that we believe about ourselves. Lies that are the result of exposure to an unhealthy environment that adversely affected our emotional development, various forms of abuse, neglect, unresolved guilt, negative thinking, negative self-talk, toxic relationships, rejection, etc. The lies cultivated by these experiences become fortresses entrenched deep in our psyche. They are difficult to dismantle because they have become part of our belief system. These lies become our truth and keep in bondage. That is why we must know the truth of the word of God. His truth dismantles lies and sets us free. And, when we experience spiritual freedom we are unstoppable!
Reflection:
1. Do you consider yourself spiritually bound? If so, in what areas are you bound?
2. What lies do you believe concerning yourself?
3. When did you first begin to believe this lie?
4. Identify scriptures that refute the lie(s) you have come to believe.