Broken Chains

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1

My sons and I recently rescued a dog from a vacant residence. The dog had very little food and no water. She was fortunate as it was winter and snow covered the ground. When the dog was thirsty, she resorted to eating the snow. We took the dog home, got her some much needed veterinary care, and she began to adjust immediately. She had such a sweet personality and quickly caught on to new routines. She fit right into our family, however, there was one thing that was rather unusual. As she began to learn and adjust, she just could not seem to master drinking water out of her bowl. In fact, she just did not want it. When we went outside to exercise, it was then that she began to quench her thirst by eating the snow! I found myself growing a little frustrated with her, knowing I had been trying to provide fresh, clean water for her every day and she much preferred the snow on the ground, no matter how dirty it was.

The thought then struck me of what my God sees in me every time I resort back to a way of thinking, talking or behaving that was part of my previous slavery. God sent His Son for me, provides me with new life, rescues me from despair and death, gives me the grace of His Food to eat, His Living Water to drink, His truths and promises to live in every day, and yet there are times when I choose to live in the old oppressive way of thinking and doing things- no matter how dysfunctional or unhealthy. There are times when I choose to place the shackles back on my feet and hands while He stands there beside me holding out the key of Freedom and Life

Galatians 5:13 says, "You, my brothers (and sisters), were called to be free." Anything that hinders us from living the abundant life that Christ died to give us needs to be examined and dealt with. Any lie or destructive way of thinking that exalts itself in our minds and hearts needs to be torn down. Any sinful habit or weakness that we have wrestled with needs to be illuminated and brought before Him. Any unbearable yoke of performance or perfectionism to gain the favor of others or God Himself needs to be lifted at the cross of Christ. The chains that can hold us captive are meant to be broken.

Lord Jesus, thank you that you rescued me from the power of sin and death through your shed blood on the cross. Please expose and break the chains that may hold me back from experiencing the abundant life you died to give me. I want to live in the freedom you have called me to. Amen.

Jocelyn Hamsher