Freedom
by Ron Scurfield
Where is the source of our comfort? Why do we seek solace beyond the love of God?
Are we living our lives in uncertainty, or even fear, struggling to conform to an image that is acceptable to the world, and longing to be loved by people who are themselves insecure? Has our life become a masquerade as we hide behind the facade of false confidence? - Are we not fighting a losing battle against the truth?
Jesus said, ‘you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free’ (John 8:32). ‘I am.. the truth...’ (John 14:6). ‘Whoever lives by the truth comes into the light’ (John 3:21)’. Our true identity is in Christ, and no-one can take that from us. We have the joy and privilege of knowing the God who created us, formed us in our mother’s womb and breathed the life of His Spirit into our body (Psalm 139:13, and Job 33:4). And we have ‘an inheritance that can never perish’ (1 Peter 1:4). ‘Who are you that you fear mere mortals, human beings who are but grass?’ (Isaiah 51:12).
What is the substance of our anxiety? Does it have teeth? Will it bite? Or does it come from the toothless accusations and deceptions of the enemy, who ‘prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour?’ (1 Peter 5:8). Have we become prey to our own fears by allowing the enemy to take the high ground? Are shadows of uncertainty taking hold of our lives? - ‘Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you’ (James 4:7).
Let’s not cower in the darkness when the door to freedom is wide open. There is uncertainty in stepping into the unknown, but there’s no uncertainty in stepping out of the darkness into the light of life where everything can be seen in its right perspective under God’s love, protection and guidance. Let us walk into His open arms and enjoy the blessings of knowing Him, ‘the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom He has sent’ (John 17:3). ‘The cowering prisoners will soon be set free; they will not die in their dungeon, nor will they lack bread. For I am the Lord your God.. — the Lord Almighty is his name...` (Isaiah 51: 14-15).
Prayer: Lord, even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me. Please give me the strength to walk in the way of Your truth, into freedom, in Jesus` name. Amen.
Ron Scurfield with his wife Jill, are part of the Associate Ministry Team at Ellel Grange and occasionally Ellel Scotland. Ron enjoys walking and writing and meeting interesting people, but his greatest joy is seeing God transform lives, setting people free to live the abundant life that Jesus intended.
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