Have you ever had intricate plans that have gone astray? Is the life that you are living now completely different to your expectations? Some people feel this way, as though they are chained to a chair, unable to reach their full potential.
These metaphorical chains could be chains of pride, illness, anxiety, low self-esteem or broken relationships.
Jesus wants His followers to live life to the full. God uses all things for His glory and He can break chains
For some people, chains are broken instantly and miraculously. For others, the breaking of chains is a long process over a number of years.
This week, Miriam spoke to us about Psalm 27.
1The LORD is my light and my salvation—
so why should I be afraid?
The LORD is my fortress, protecting me from danger,
so why should I tremble?
2When evil people come to devour me,
when my enemies and foes attack me,
they will stumble and fall.
3Though a mighty army surrounds me,
my heart will not be afraid.
Even if I am attacked,
I will remain confident.
4The one thing I ask of the LORD—
the thing I seek most—
is to live in the house of the LORD all the days of my life,
delighting in the LORD’s perfections
and meditating in his Temple.
5For he will conceal me there when troubles come;
he will hide me in his sanctuary.
He will place me out of reach on a high rock.
6Then I will hold my head high
above my enemies who surround me.
At his sanctuary I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy,
singing and praising the LORD with music.
7Hear me as I pray, O LORD.
Be merciful and answer me!
8My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.”
And my heart responds, “LORD, I am coming.”
9Do not turn your back on me.
Do not reject your servant in anger.
You have always been my helper.
Don’t leave me now; don’t abandon me,
O God of my salvation!
10Even if my father and mother abandon me,
the LORD will hold me close.
11Teach me how to live, O LORD.
Lead me along the right path,
for my enemies are waiting for me.
12Do not let me fall into their hands.
For they accuse me of things I’ve never done;
with every breath they threaten me with violence.
13Yet I am confident I will see the LORD’s goodness
while I am here in the land of the living.
14Wait patiently for the LORD.
Be brave and courageous.
Yes, wait patiently for the LORD.
(Psalm 27)
Why do we settle for a life in chains? David knew the chains of fear because he had people coming to kill him when he wrote the Psalm. He knew the pressure and uncertainty of leadership because was appointed with no experience at a young age. He knew the chains of temptation, shame and guilt, when he stole the wife of another man.
But David still knew God’s grace and knew his life didn’t need to remain wallowing in sin. This Psalm shows that he still prayed for a life of freedom and didn’t want to settle for current life
6 freedoms that are found in a Godly life:
A life free of fear
Then Bible tells us so many times not to be afraid. Jesus is our salvation and nothing can compare to Him. We don’t need to fear death because He is our risen Saviour.
A life in friendship with God
A friendship that makes us feel whole, satisfied and fulfilled. God encourages community in churches, but He also provides the cure to loneliness in Himself when we press into Him, His promises and His presence.
A life of worship
Verse 6 talks of singing and making music to the Lord. Life is better when we focus on being thankful for what we do have rather than wallowing in what we don’t have. Joy and happiness are different; happiness comes from our circumstances, whereas joy is a constant from knowing the Lord. Jesus came to die for us when we were still sinners and that is the source of our joy. Nothing can compare to Him and nothing can replace Him.
A life of security
Verse 10 speaks of the Lord’s adoption of those who come to Him. Remember that the Lord will never leave you or forsake you. He will never turn His back on you or cheat you out of a situation. He wants you to know the freedom of security as a child of God in His love.
A life always learning
Learning isn’t a chore. Everyday we get the opportunity to better ourselves and bring glory to God in our callings. How can you develop your gifts to glorify Him more and more? If God had called you to something, He will equip you.
A life confident in the goodness of God
Break the chains of worry and trust in His goodness. He is constant and faithful and regardless of what the future holds, He is with us and will be guiding us through it. Have confidence that we will see God’s goodness!
Review those freedoms and see which ones you can focus on in your life this week.
3 things David did to maximise his freedom in God:
Spending time in God’s presence
Are you walking in the light or walking in the darkness? Just because God gives us multiple chances, doesn’t mean we should run back to our sin.
Seek God’s face in everything
Learn to prefer God’s opinion. Use Scripture to discern whether something is right or wrong. His ways and thoughts are higher than ours. Always look into God’s Word before making big decisions.
Hold onto faith
Know that God is doing a work in your life. What He has started He will finish. God might not transform you straight away, so remember life with Him is a journey.