There comes a point in all our lives that we become aware of what I call our "balls and chains."
What do I mean by this?
Merriam Webster's Dictionary defines it as this:
"Something that limits one's freedom or ability to do things."
For some that ball chain could be drugs, or pornography, or an eating disorder. Maybe yours isn't "that intense." Maybe yours might just be a bad habit that you have not been able to break from that keeps pulling you back into unhealthy behaviors or causes you to make bad decisions.
You might be shocked to hear that we all struggle (to some level) with "ball and chain" behaviors and lifestyles.
Stop for a moment and think about one thing you'd like to see change or find freedom from in your life because it drains you, causes you pain, regret and/or shame, or it simply just keeps you feeling stuck.
Our ball and chains can cause us (and others) great pain and haunt us for years. They can also cause us daily pain and mess up our lives.
Join me in this first step in finding freedom:
1. Do what was just suggested - stop and think and look at your life.
2. Begin a devotional journal that you can write out the steps that God is going to lead you on in your
journey towards freedom and maybe some scripture that will help in that area.
3. Pray and ask God to show you areas and truths you need to see about yourself, those around you,
and anything that is attached to ball that you are chained to.
4. Read the Bible. Start with small portions. Start in the book of John to learn more about Jesus. Look
up or Google bible verses that pertain to your struggles, freedom in Christ, God's healing and peace, etc.
5. Invite a trusted friend or family member to walk alongside you to care for your heart and mind and
to hold you up in prayer as you go through this journey. If you don't have one - message me - find a church our counselor to talk with.
6. Finally - put whatever level of trust you may have or can muster into God's hands - and start telling
Him all about whatever it is you are feeling and going through - God can handle your anger, hurt
and honesty.
Let's look at Isaiah 57:18 NET
"I have seen their behavior, but I will heal them. I will lead them, and I will provide comfort to them and those who mourn with them."
Let's break this down:
God sees us and our behaviors and decisions
He chooses to heal us
He will lead us.
He will provide comfort to us *and to those who mourn with us.
This is good news my friend! I know many wrestle with the reality that God sees us in our suffering and "doesn't do anything to rescue us." That topic is for another day.
Today I want you to rest in these truths:
-God sees you and will heal you-
-Then He promises to lead you and provide comfort to you at ever level of your being - even to those around you who love and care for you as well.
In Luke 4:16-21 "Jesus went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day He went into the synagogue, as was His custom. He stood up to read, 17 and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah (61) was handed to Him. Unrolling it, He found the place where it is written:
18 “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” 20 Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. 21 He began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”
Jesus came to set captives free - let's begin that journey together today. Will you take a step of faith towards Him? He took the first step towards you by inviting you to get to know Him by sending His Son Jesus. He has given us His word to give us wisdom, direction, comfort, truth and to repeatedly speak of His great love for us.
Let's pray and invite Him to help us begin this journey towards your healing.
"Lord, we come to You with our hurt and pain, and our distrust and fear and invite You to come into the mess of our lives and begin the process of healing and freeing us. Thank You for Your desire to love us in our mess. Amen"
“The Lord is my strength and my song; He has become my victory. He is my God, and I will praise Him. He is my father’s God, and I will exalt Him! The Lord is a warrior; yes, the Lord is His name!” Exodus 15:2-3
