God Speaking

“But, the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it- he will be blessed in what he does.”

(James 1: 25)

Several years ago, my husband and I and our youngest daughter (then a young girl) visited some dear friends in the outback of Queensland, Australia, a very exciting time for all three of us!  My friend suggested my daughter might like to try riding one of their horses and assured me they had a gentle old mare that would be very safe for her to ride. When we got to the paddock I was surprised to see that there was no fence, but the horse seemed to be just waiting at the edge of the field.  My friend explained to me that when the horse was young the field was surrounded by an electric fence and very quickly the horse knew not to go close to it. After some time went by, the electric fence was removed, but the horse still never ventured past that area. The horse, basically was free, but was not using its freedom.

Sometimes, we can become like my friend’s horse, unable to move forward, knowing there is that beautiful promise of being free, but being hampered by past experiences. Jesus Christ has granted us freedom, but we imagine we are still trapped and never experience the wonder of being free. We hang on to doubts. We carry heavy loads of guilt. We feel we are somehow unworthy to enjoy that freedom.  This is when we need to remember who the giver of freedom is;

“But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit is, there is freedom.” (2 Corinthians 3: 16 – 17)

The beautiful story of the Exodus is really the story of God’s protection of human freedom. When God gives his people the Ten Commandments, the very first words he says, are emphasising he is a God of freedom. He wants his children, and of course that includes us, to remember we are no longer slaves to all that would hold us back from experiencing this incredible gift.

“And God spoke all these words: “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.”” (Exodus 20: 1 – 2)

The Psalmists knew that the only true giver of freedom is the Heavenly Father and to try to live a life of freedom is impossible without his help. One of the Psalmists overcome by everything besetting him and in anguish, calls out for this help;

In my anguish I cried to the Lord, and he answered by setting me free.” (Psalm 118: 5)

Later in the same Psalm he writes down one of my favourite verses which I frequently say when I need to remember I am free of all that would entangle me,

“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118: 24)

I read a quote recently that really spoke to me and sums up what part we play in experiencing freedom.

Be inspired to live the freedom you have been granted.