Set Free
“If you abide in My Word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:31-32
For many years, I oversimplified this verse to the point of not understanding its full implication. Every time I read it, I thought, I guess that means the way of salvation: the truth introduces me to Jesus, which sets me free from sin so that I might be saved. I had walked with Jesus so long, the verse no longer held due fascination for me.
But it has recently come to my attention that the truth, the Word of God, sets me free from all sorts of things.
The truth sets me free from the fear of man, because I know from the many promises in the Word that only God has the final say of events in my life. What can man do to me?
The truth sets me free from my old nature, because God says He has made me new in Christ.
The truth sets me free from the fear of weakness in the face of great difficulty, for He says His grace is sufficient for me because His strength is made perfect in weakness.
The truth sets me free from self-loathing, for He has declared that I please Him when I seek Him and when I love Him.
The truth sets me free from the feeling of uselessness, of being invisible, for He says He is the Potter and has made me a vessel for His own use.
The truth sets me free from the fear of looking foolish when I speak, because He says He will put His words in my mouth.
The truth sets me free from the fear of widowhood, for He declares that He is my husband.
The truth sets me free from loneliness, for He says He calls me friend.
The truth sets me free from the fear of disaster, for He says He will rescue me.
The truth sets me free from any thoughts of not having enough to eat or a place to sleep, for He promises to be my Provider.
I can think of others, and I’m sure you, dear reader, have some examples from your own life. How about if you chime in, in the comments, about what God’s Word frees you from?
Father, You have proved Yourself over and over to us. We rely entirely on Your Word to set us free from the chains that bind us, from thoughts that hinder us, from fears that freeze us. Thank You for Your goodness to us. Amen.
14 years ago today my life changed in an instant when in some sort of chemical reaction at work I developed a chronic health condition. It impacted every area of my and therefore my family’s life.
It will most likely be what eventually leads to my death, but as Psalm 139:16b tells me:
“All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be”, I no longer am afraid of when or how…God knew long before I was born when I would take my last breath, so although I am cautious, I still live life, travel, plan for the future…knowing God has the rest of the details well under control.
God’s word frees me from constant worry & stress about my children’s futures because He loves them more than I do and He has great plans for them.
“Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” John 8:36 NKJV Praising God always…..and forevermore.