Christ wants to remove the vile from our eyes and strengthen us to break free from the things that are keeping us bound. Through the power and wisdom of His Spirit we can gain freedom ( 2 Corinthians 3:16-18). We should stop overlooking and allowing ignorance (not knowing) to stop us from seeing how much the chains in our lives are keeping us from having and experiencing. It can be disheartening when someone stops trying, growing, and receiving, thereby diminishing their experience of God-given freedom.
Let’s not settle for barely getting by or maintaining when Jesus offers us an abundant life (John 10:10). God’s Spirit will empower us with truth and grace to let go of our chains and take us from glory to glory if we let Him.
Salvation not only paid our debt, gave us a ticket to heaven, and created us a seat at the heavenly family table, but Jesus offered us the power to overcome hindering thoughts and behaviors we have held while here on this earth. Thoughts that cloud out God’s truth and promises. Behaviors that keep us from realizing continual levels of freedom and provision. God’s word gives us the wisdom and understanding of how to put down the things that have held us in bondage and has kept us from experiencing the fullness of His glory. We should no longer bear with and ignore the stuff that keeps us from living to the fullest.
God's word speaks out against these chains because they are areas that will take away our freedom. They hinder us from experiencing the abundance of God’s blessings. Blessing that not only speak to and change our situations, but they speak to us and change us: peace, joy, hope, a sound mind, love, etc. Jesus died so that those chains would no longer have that kind of control over you. He died to impart the power and wisdom to eliminate those bondages. Insight, such as getting assistance in overcoming these chains. (Pastor, counselor, accountability partner, a help group, etc.)
So many of us have allowed our bondages to become our security blankets, not realizing we have gotten comfortable with the things that have restrained us and kept us from receiving the freedom Jesus died for us to have. Those things we bear, hold on to, and ignore as chains hinder us from receiving spiritual empowerment and life-changing truths. They stalled us from experiencing the beautiful blessing of God and walking in his extraordinary grace and provision for the day.
Don’t ignore the chains:
Hopelessness ( 1 Thess 4:13-14), Guilt (Heb 10:2 and 22), Addiction (1Cor 10:13-14), Doubt (James 1:6), Fear ( Isaiah 41:10, 2 Tim 1:7), Unforgiveness (Col 3:13), Depression (Psalm 42:11, 40:1-3), Bitterness( Eph 4:31), Anger (James 1:19-20, Proverbs 29:11), Greed (Luke 12:15, 1 John 2:16), Pride (Proverbs 11:2, Philp 2:3), Self-doubt (John 1:12-13, Philip 4:13), etc.
Lord unveil our eyes to the chains in our lives. Give us the courage and desire tackle them with the strength, wisdom, and grace provided through Your Spirit and Your Word. Help us to break free and experience the freedom, peace, strength and abundance You offer to us daily. In Jesus Name.
'So many of us have allowed our bondages to become our security blankets, not realizing we have gotten comfortable with the things that have restrained us and kept us from receiving the freedom Jesus died for us to have'. Powerful stuff. Yes, these security blankets are the structures we build to prevent our hearts being hurt again - but when the root is a bondage, the fruit can only be bitter. Thank you for this insightful reflection.
Yeah, OK, I get it now,
the bad stuff that remains,
and the knowing of just how
I can't ignore the chains
that day after stupid day
I went ahead and forged
to try to find a metal way
to avoid the Holy Lord.
This did really not work out;
I bound me to imagination,
and however loud I shout,
every plaint and protestation
shows how stupid I can be
praying at the Church Of Me.