Living Out the Rhythm of Freedom – Core Value: We grow best in groups
Today’s Reading: Titus 3:4-7, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Galatians 5:1
What would your life look like if you saw freedom as something that could be a rhythm in your life? It sure sounds nice, right? The thing about these rhythms is they take work on our part. We don’t reap the benefit of experiencing freedom without putting in the effort to create the rhythm of freedom in our life.
There are two keys to experiencing freedom: humility and trust. We must let our guard down and be honest about what is brewing inside of us, whether it is unforgiveness, temptation, or strongholds. Then, we must trust that God has the ability to free us from the things that enslave us.
“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
As we talked about yesterday, the first step is recognizing the problem and making the step to confess and repent. However, that is just the beginning. Moving forward, we must learn how to maintain this freedom. Confessing and repenting is one battle in an ongoing war. There are steps that need to be taken to protect this freedom.
- Surround yourself with the right people. Look for people who point you to the truth of God’s Word, who are trustworthy and extend grace. It is important to remember that you cannot expect others to fight your battles for you, but that they can be there to support you in prayer, to encourage you, and to hold you accountable.
- Take time to read and meditate on God’s Word daily. If you look back at Day 1 of this week, we read about the armor of God and how the sword of the Spirit is the Word of God. We have the ability to defend ourselves from the enemy’s attacks through Scripture. Being in the Word of God daily is the best defense!
- Learn to take every thought captive. Assume responsibility for the thoughts in your head. In 2 Corinthians 10:5, Paul says, “we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” Reject lies and temptations that enter your mind, and give them to God.
- Commit to daily prayer. As we talked about in Week 2, prayer is all about relationship with God. It demonstrates trust and confidence in God. Communicating with God is so important in protecting your freedom because it is only through him that it is possible.
Walking in freedom is an ongoing journey, one that will have many ups and downs. But the beautiful thing is that it is not a journey we need to travel alone. God is patient and faithful no matter what stronghold we are working through or how much forgiveness we need to extend. He is with us as we take steps toward freedom.
Use the PRAY (Praise, Repent, Ask, Yield) acronym to spend time in prayer.
After reading the steps to live in freedom, are there any steps that you think would help you walk in freedom today?
Thinking beyond yourself, if you were to live out the rhythm of freedom how would that change the relationships and communities around you?
