Many people find themselves imprisoned by circumstances in their lives. It could be insecurities, fear, addiction, bitterness, etc. Regardless, we find ourselves bound up by so many things. Sometimes, we are oblivious to our own prison cells. We may go days, months, or years without recognizing that we have a problem. If you go too long entertaining the thought that you aren't good enough, you will soon begin to believe that lie. Your imprisonment begins the moment you allow yourself to disregard the truth because the lies seem to make more sense at the time. The chains of insecurity and fear weigh you down until freedom doesn't seem possible. You are bound of your own accord.
The real question is: How do you get free?
The first step to overcoming any obstacle or problem in your life is admitting there is a problem. When you recognize that there is something missing in your life, it is easy to immediately attempt to fill the void. Your human nature will not allow you to accept the loneliness you feel; therefore, you will seek after things of the world to fill the emptiness inside. Maybe you are listening to a certain type of music to fill your heart with joy, maybe it's a guy or girl you know isn't right for you, or maybe it's something as serious as drugs. Whatever you are seeking to find true happiness in your life, there is nothing out in the world that will bring that to you. The only way to live a life of freedom and fulfillment is to turn to Jesus-the one who paid the ultimate price so that you could be free. Still, the chains and the weight of the world drag you down until it seems impossible to be free. However, I can assure you that is not God's purpose for you. Listening to the lies from the enemy only distracts you from the reality of the freedom God has called you to.
John 8:36-If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
We are called to be free. When Jesus hung on the cross, He paid the price for our freedom. We don't have to live in bondage unless we choose to. The sad reality is that we forget who we are, and whose we are, because we are consumed by what the world wants us to be. Sometimes we get so focused on what other people think about us, and who they want us to be. We feel like we aren't "good enough" based on the opinions of other people. We try so hard to measure up to society's standards of beauty/perfection. However, these standards are unattainable and unrealistic. It is not possible for us to be what the world or anyone else wants us to be. Why? If you are a child of God, you don't have to worry about the opinion of others. The only person you have to believe is God. You do not have to become bound by what you believe other people expect of you. God has chosen you, and called you to be free.
1 Peter 2:9-But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light...
Why should we be bound by the world when we have every opportunity to find freedom in Christ? What prison cell are you living in? Addiction? Bitterness? Loss of self-worth? Whatever you are facing, it is time to move forward. Remember who you belong to. You are a child of God, and you cannot afford to let the devil or anyone else have so much power over your life that listening to their lies causes you to be in bondage. Do not go back to where you were before...before salvation, before Christ, and before your freedom. Galatians 5:1-Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
You were called to be free. You have liberty in Christ. It's going to take some courage to stand up and move forward. You may not even realize that your situation has you bound, but maybe after reading this post, you will recognize your need for victory. Plug your ears, and shut out the lies. When you begin to focus on Jesus, you will be reminded that freedom was there all along. You just have to choose the truth. Cast off your chains. Lay down your weights. Run to Christ, and you will find your freedom.
2 Corinthians 3:17-Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
You are called to be free.
"She courageously chose to leave behind her fears and insecurities to pursue a life of confidence and freedom."
-Latan Roland Murphy, Courageous Women of the Bible