THE ABIDING LIFE

Adjusting to Freedom

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My life seems to be in an adjustment phase right now. Sometimes it's uncomfortable and frustrating, and other times it leaves me in awe of who God is and how much He has accomplished on my behalf. My prayer is that I will live with open eyes and full vision. I want to see the old for what it is and the new for what it is. I want my thinking to be changed and for my mind to be fully aligned with God's truth. I also want to remember that there is a transition between the two and to be gracious during the journey. The new has ultimately been won in Christ, but it is still being worked out in me. I am new, and I am being made new. And it's all on God's schedule, not my own. Of course, I want to cooperate as much as possible and make every effort to put on the new, submitting my mind to Him and allowing Him to change it, being willing to walk out the new life, even when it feels awkward. But I also want to live at peace, trusting that God "who began a good work in [me] will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ" (Philippians 1:6). Knowing God's faithfulness, Paul told the Philippians to:

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice...do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me — practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:4–9

I love the song No Longer Slaves from Bethel Music. Part of the chorus says, "I'm no longer a slave to fear, I am a child of God." The bridge proclaims, "You split the sea, so I could walk right through it / All my fears were drowned in perfect love / You rescued me, so I could stand and sing / I am a child of God." Powerful words. Sometimes I just need to be reminded that I'm not a slave anymore — to my sin, to my fears, to my pains, to any way the enemy has sought to keep me in bondage. Accustomed to the weight of chains, walking without them may feel strange at first, but ultimately freedom in Christ is what I seek. I rejoice in what He has done and pray He will renew my mind that I may trust Him to walk beside me in whatever new way He calls me to.

Image Credit: Mema NH; "Old & new life"; Creative Commons

Tags: Christian-Life Personal-Life

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Published 2-29-2016