Freedom Without Constraints!Sýnishorn

WHAT IS MY CONSTRAINT?

A person who is constrained has difficulty in performing actions that they know will be of benefit. A constraint is often deeply rooted in the spirit mind and is capable of hindering spiritual growth.

“Then indeed, He enticed you from the mouth of distress, Instead of it, a broad place with no constraint; And that which was set on your table was full of fatness. Job 36:16

The Hebrew word mutsaq means constraint or distress. The Greek word anagke necessity, compulsion, constraint

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary says it well; That which restrains from action; compulsion; restraint; necessity; as constraints on one's religious freedom.

Below are a few examples of human constraint:

• Negativity

• Money

• Fear

• Envy

• Behavior that is not Christlike

• Old habits

• Addictions

• Afflictions and poor health

• Loss of a loved one

• Bad relationships

There are many more examples, but this gives us an idea of how things can hold us captive.

God is our freeing agent and does not desire for us to live outside of the freedom He provided through His Son Jesus Christ!

In today's scripture, Elihu a friend to Job condemned the way the other 3 friends had spoken to Job, however, he did reprimand Job about his attitude toward God and then gave a tribute to God for His greatness.

In Job’s case, he was suffering many afflictions and was in distress.This constrained him because he felt he had not sinned and tried with all he had to honor God. Elihu was encouraging Job that God would bring him out of the things that were constraining him.

Because Job wasn’t experiencing true freedom, Elihu felt Job was not focusing on God. We might take on the same attitude as Job in wondering why a righteous man has to suffer the things that a wicked man should be enduring.

PRACTICE: May each reader think about what in their life is holding them back from growing more spiritually. Examine your daily ways of living. If you pinpoint any constraints, begin giving them over to God.

PRAYER: Father, help us determine if we have any constraints that prevent us from walking closer to You. Help us to be honest in our examination of self. Help us gently to rid of these barriers, so that we may walk in perfect freedom. In Jesus’ Name. Amen