10 Reasons to Celebrate Your Freedom!
“If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” John 8:36
It’s July—the month when Americans celebrate their freedom from the tyranny of the British (at least, that’s how it all began, so I’m told).
Strangely enough, I don’t remember learning much about the Revolutionary War when I was a school girl in England. I wonder why?
Apart from distant memories of America fighting for freedom to rule itself, July 4 is memorialized across the nation by firework displays, barbecues, hamburgers, salads, and ice cream (plus drinks, which I won’t go into).
No matter where you or I live, freedom to live in safety and with peace is vitally important to our well-being. But even more important and worth celebrating are the spiritual and emotional freedoms that come to followers of Jesus through the goodness of God.
The apostle Peter writes to followers of Jesus that they are God’s elect and chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father. 1 Peter 1:1-2. (I’m well aware that the words “chosen according to the foreknowledge of God” raise various positions and viewpoints. Let’s put that aside and focus on what difference this make practically in your life and mine.)
WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES BEING CHOSEN MAKE IN YOUR LIFE? BEING CHOSEN FREES YOU FROM FEELING ASHAMED, GUILTY, UNWANTED, INSIGNIFICANT, A MISTAKE OR A FAILURE.
HERE’S THE TRUTH:
God knew of your existence before time began. You’re not a mistake! Jeremiah 1:3
God wanted you to be His child, in His family, at this time in history.
God has a purpose for you in your one life here on earth—to do good works planned by Him to bless you and make you a blessing to others. Ephesians 2:10
God has given you abilities and spiritual gifts to invest. He promises your labor is both seen, pleases Him, and will be rewarded. Romans 12: 6-8, Colossians 3: 23-24
God cares deeply about you and your life situation. You are of value to Him. Matthew 6: 29-34
God paid the greatest price possible to adopt you and make you His own. Hebrews 10: 26-28
God is the perfect Father, always wanting your best and providing all you need. Psalm 23.
God’s love for you is unconditional. It never fluctuates according to your behavior. John 10:27-30
God is always ready to cleanse you from sin. His forgiveness is full of mercy, not condemnation. He will help you begin again. 1 John 1:6-9
God’s choosing of you means you are NEVER alone, NEVER forsaken, NEVER unwanted.
If you wrestle with these truths or they are new to you, I hope you will stop, take some time alone, and read them in your Bible. Talk to God about them. Ask Him to make them real to you and to give you spiritual and emotional joy and freedom as you embrace the freedom they bring.
If I can be of help or support, please get in touch.
My prayer is you don’t miss the freedom Christ died to make possible.
Poppy