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"And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."
(John 8:32)
For several weeks, I have been focusing on the theme, "Winning the Battle in Your Mind". People all over the world suffer from anxiety and depression. Mental illness is no joke! I have been transparent about my own struggles in this area. I am so grateful to God for the victories He has given me. It is, however, a daily battle for me. I must constantly pray and replace the lies the enemy tells me with the truth of what God says in His Word.
God created our minds and wants us to live in freedom, free of anxiety, fear, worry, and depression. If living in fear and depression is like living in a cage or cell, then living with peace and joy is like living in freedom in wide open places.
There are many things that we cannot control. Things were said to us or happened to us that were truly unfair and hurtful. All of us have emotional triggers that bring old hurts to mind or reopen old wounds. I am not a neuroscientist and do not completely understand how intricate the brain is, not to mention how amazing and complex the human mind is, but I do know that Almighty God made the brain and the mind, and He wants us to live in peace and freedom.
The hard reality is taking ownership for the part we play and moving forward in victory. Living in the past, reliving the hurt, or choosing not to forgive keeps us trapped in that cage with no freedom or joy. But Jesus has the key to a free mind, soul, and body and gladly offers us a path forward, if we will take it.
I heard something recently that was eye-opening. We all feel that if just one thing would change, then we would be happy. If that guy at work would just resign, or if you could just get that pay raise or promotion, or if that troublemaker at church would just go find another church, or if your spouse would just get his/her act together, etc. But the truth is, those things could happen and you would still be unhappy. Why? Someone else will take their place, and moreover, you still have not dealt with you, with the woman or man that stares at you when you look in the mirror.
True freedom begins when you can say, "It is me; it is me, oh Lord, standing in need of prayer. I am the problem, oh God, not everything or everyone else." When you can get there, then you are on the road to healing. Some are thinking, "Yes, that is true for most people, but not me, because you just do not know how complex this is, or how he hurt me, or how that was so unfair," etc. Are you tired of the sad, mad, and bad loop replaying in your life? Jesus offers you an abundant life.
I offer these devotions this week to all who are struggling with getting free and staying free of worry, fear, and anxiety. I have said before and will say again, you may need a biblical counselor who will walk with you and help get you on the road to freedom. That is okay!
For our biblical text this week, we will read the conversation that Jesus had with some Jews who said they believed in Him. He tells them twice the key to being free. Unfortunately, like many today, they never take the long look in the mirror, which is the beginning of the process toward true freedom from bondage.
I am looking forward to sharing with you this week. I am trusting God for big things in your life!
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