Have you read the devotional Jesus Calling by Sarah Young? It’s uncanny just how many people I hear of, in all variety of circumstances, sharing with surprise how each day is relevant to them.
Today it spoke of how we searched for years for what we needed. The whole time God was there, relentlessly pursuing us. Longing to embrace us, and free us with His compassionate embrace.
It spoke of when God found us, and lifted us out of the “sea of despair” and set us on a “firm foundation”. How we might have felt exposed, yet he wrapped us with a “robe of righteousness”.
Drowning in our emotions
This day’s devotion feels as though I wrote it for myself. I must preface this by stating this is only part of the story.
These struggles were bookended by happiness and creativity and love and enthusiasm for life ♥
Yet, for years I struggled with anger. It had a true and authentic cause, but it scarred me with its relentless refusal to let go. It stole part of who I was.
That anger was coupled with low self-esteem, and a longing to understand my purpose. I love my family so very dearly, yet…I felt like I was different. My puzzle piece didn’t settle into the picture.
So many questions.
I was drowning in the depth of who I was, yet unaware how that depth was so critical to who I was created to be.
2 Corinthians 3:1- “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”
Changing our perspective heals the lies
I struggled with depression, but as the years went by my determination to pursue joy increased. Then, Jesus found me.
He pursued me. I ran. He wooed me. I slowed down. He accepted me. I stopped. He loved me. I turned around and looked at him. Finally, I fell in love.
He lifted me up from the despair and struggle. I was so grateful, but in those moments?
Fully embracing ourselves without shame or regret. (Check out this awesome article on the crappy nature of Shame by Christine Caine)
Jeremiah 31:3-The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love;I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.
What does God say about freedom?
Let me tell you, that molding process? It helps to reveal our purpose. It sheds light on the beautiful parts of our unique design that we can delight in. We can let go of the past.
Freedom is found in the changing of our hearts and minds.
The good news? This is for you. It doesn’t matter one iota what your past was, or the circumstance you are living in today. And if your life is feeling pretty awesome? It can be even more so.
Freedom is found in the changing of our hearts and minds.
He will lift you up, and woo you with the same passion. He’ll change you from the inside out! I have been there, and it is so worth the effort.
Psalm 118:5 “Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free.”
Finding freedom is as immediate as calling out His name.
Circumstances take time to change, but the real stuff, the inside stuff? Don’t take my word for it, test Him and He’ll show you personally. Oh, it is sweet indeed.
I wrote us a little prayer based on Scriptures. Would you like to print off a copy? Just click this free PDF today -finding freedom prayer.
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I love the puzzle pieces.