Freedom
Written By: Midge Guererri
With the 250th birthday of our nation fast approaching, it is only fitting to talk about
freedom. We live in the freest nation on this planet. We are able to go and do whatever we
want, when we want, with whoever we want, as long as it isn’t breaking the law. We can
speak freely, practice whatever religion we want freely, and defend ourselves as we see fit.
But sadly, a large percentage of Americans don’t really know what complete freedom is.
And the only way to know that complete freedom is, isn’t to move to another country,
change the laws, or the constitution.
Complete freedom is only found when we surrender ourselves to God. Body, mind, and
spirit. In Proverbs 3:5-6 it says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on
your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths
straight”. It is not always easy to surrender our own will to God’s plans, but it opens doors
to experiencing a life that is full of purpose and blessings. I am still learning this. I have
been asked a couple of times recently to write things for my ladies' group at church and to
write this devotional. If I had decided right off the top of my head, I would’ve said no.
However, when I prayed on it and asked God to tell me what He wanted me to do, it was to
write. So I submitted to him. I wrote for the ladies group and I wrote this devotional. This
isn’t easy or comfortable for me as I am my own worst critic but this is what He wants me
to do. Psalm 37:5 “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do this”.
I say I have faith, and I do, but I don’t always have complete faith. There have been many
times in my life where I thought my way was better and that I knew what I was doing. And
God lets us believe that. For we must fall before we rise and know that if we had trusted
God and His wisdom we wouldn’t have fallen in the first place. God is always working for
our good. And putting our trust in him means we believe his way is better than our own.
This allows us to experience his perfect peace. Luke 22:42 “Father, if you are willing,
take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done”. We must actively trust his
plan. It can be challenging and scary at times, but God will not fail us.
Giving ourselves completely to God allows us to live by our faith and not by sight. We can’t
see the future, but we can trust that God is guiding us. We have to be bold when we step
out even though we don’t know the outcome. When we embrace our faith our connection
to God becomes deeper and our spiritual journey becomes more meaningful. Since I
stopped saying “No” to writing, I have seen my spiritual life improve so much. I am slowly
letting go and letting God. I used to worry all the time about monthly bills, the atrocities of
the world, about my grandchildren growing up in this world and what will be when I am long
gone. Those things are not in my control, and I am learning that they are in God’s control.
Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what
we do not see”. I have never gone without, and I know God will protect my grandchildren
long after I am gone. Another way to express our faith in God is through service to others. Mark 10:45 “For even
the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom
for many”. Our service to others shows our dedication to God and to those in need. We
are demonstrating our commitment to God and his purpose. Galatians 5:13 “You, my
brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge
the flesh; rather serve one another humbly in love”. Giving of ourselves not only to
others but to God brings joy to our life. Submitting ourselves to God means we are open to
his guidance and willing to obey his word. 1 Peter 5:6 “Humble yourselves, therefore
under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time”. Psalm 16:11 “You make
known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal
pleasures at your right hand”.
It is so important that we put God at the center of our lives! By doing this we will align our
life with His will, making a stronger relationship with him. Matthew 6:33 “But seek first
his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well”.
Our prayer life will become stronger which will strengthen our relationship with God. You
don’t need big fancy words to talk to God. All you need to do is talk to him. He is always
listening and will gladly give you guidance and grace. Philippians 4:6 “Do not be anxious
about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,
present your requests to God”.
The freedom that comes from totally submitting ourselves to God is amazing. His love and
grace for us is never-ending. By walking in his word, giving of ourselves, praying
continually, and living our life for him the joy in that freedom is pure and true. That is what
true freedom is. And through God is the only place it will be found.
Dear Heavenly Father,
We come to you with a humble heart in need of your grace and guidance. Teach us to
surrender our pride and seek Your will above all else. We pray that we find strength in our
weaknesses and knowledge in our submission to you. Help us to walk in humility, showing
your love and mercy to all those around us. Help us to listen to Your voice and find joy in
the path you have set in front of us. Guide us in every decision that we make so that we
may serve you faithfully. In Jesus name we pray, Amen
Reflection Questions:
1. Do you spend time in prayer every day throughout the day? Talking to God thru the
day helps to keep the lines of communication open and strengthens your
relationship with him. If you’re not, try doing it while you’re cleaning, driving, sitting
quietly, or whatever you do throughout the day. You will find it to be very calming.
2. Do you sometimes struggle making big decisions? Next time you are faced with a
decision like that, ask God first before making a kneejerk decision. Pray on it; ask
God what He wants you to do. He will answer you.
3. Do you have a fear of letting go of control? Talk to God. Ask him to help you to let go
of control and to feel his love and guidance. He is always there.