If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. ~John 8:36

Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. ~Psalm 55:22

Hi friends,

Are you free? Totally, completely free?

Many of us say that we are free, yet we live our daily lives still shackled to old habits, old lies, painful pasts, old hurts. We say we’re free, but we live in a constant or semi-constant state of dread or fear or worry or anxiety or depression. We say we’re free, and we show it to the outside world. We raise our hands at church. We sing and worship. We smile and greet. Then we go back to our private lives and struggle to get out of bed. We struggle to truly break free from the negative voice in our heads that tells us that we’re not good enough or that our dreams will never come true or that we’re all alone.

For me, my struggle has always been overcoming rejection. Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve never fit in. The enemy has used this my entire life. He whispers in my ear that no one likes me, or that I’m annoying, or whatever stupid lie he throws at me. Thankfully, I have overcome this struggle…most of the time. It is a daily battle, but I choose to believe that in Christ I am loved and accepted. I am choosing (and I daily make this choice) to be free from my past hurts and all that comes with it. But friends, it is a DAILY CHOICE.

That’s why I love the words “free indeed” in John 8:36. That means you’re free from those shackles forever. Don’t pick them back up. God has set you free!

So, what do you do when you’re feeling these negative emotions? That’s where Psalm 55:22 comes in: Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. Wow. That’s our answer.

God, I give you these negative feelings.

I choose to believe in your Word, and your Word says I am free.

Your Word says I can give you these negative thoughts and emotions, and you will sustain me. I know you will continue to lead me and guide me. I know you won’t ever lead me astray.

God, I trust in you, and today, I’m choosing my freedom.

Praying for you all! I pray for the peace of God to comfort your hearts, for His strength to embolden you to walk fearlessly where He leads.

Hugs,

Janice