Stepping into Freedom

Some of us have been struggling with anxiety for so long that we no longer feel the need to overcome it. It simply becomes a part of our lives; a menace which, although bothersome, we have somehow grown comfortable with. Maybe you’ve stopped believing that you can be used by God. But in that moment of sheer despair, will you allow yourself to be freed? Will you take that step of faith towards God and be open to His work in your life?

Most people don’t realize that while continuing to live in this bondage, they are compromising on a life of fullness and freedom that God intended for them to enjoy. Maybe the breakthrough at the end of the tunnel is not just for you, but for those around you. The more you dwell on your fears, the more you are enslaved by them. But when you use prayer and worship as your weapons, the spiritual strongholds that have held you captive are pulled down. You may not feel anything change physically or instantly, but as you begin to pray and worship and just delve into the presence of God, you come to the end of yourself. In that place of brokenness and surrender, God takes charge of your life.

Both worship and prayer come from a place of submission and declaration that God is bigger and greater than anything else in your life. While Paul and Silas could have chosen to resent God and be bitter in the face of their predicament, they chose to worship God through the pain, persecution, and uncertainty. Their worship came from a place of joy and gratitude; a joy that can only be birthed in your heart by a revelation of who God is. That’s what helped these men brave every storm that came their way. That’s what helped them look past their pain and hurt and just burst out in exuberant and powerful worship. The joy of the Lord is our strength!

Oftentimes, our first response to a stressful situation is that of fear and anxiety. That is the nature we were born with, but not the nature we were reborn with. Paul says in the book of Romans, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” The renewal of mind is a process orchestrated by the Holy Spirit as we yield to Christ’s teachings. He will empower us and help us respond with faith over fear and lead the life of victory that we are called to live.

Reflection

How has Christ been renewing your mind so far when it comes to the topic of anxiety? Write down three truths that you’ve learned so far, and ask the Holy Spirit to give you greater understanding of these truths. Freedom dwells within you, and His name is the Spirit of Christ.