Today’s 333 Devotional: “What Makes You Free?”

If I were to ask, “Are you free?” most in America would respond “Yes,” mainly because we live in a “free” nation where we can say and believe whatever we want.

But let’s go a little deeper. “Are you a free person?” or better, “Do you feel free?” To these questions the answers would be more negative because we’re dealing with how we feel.

Far too many of us are bound up, boxed in, and imprisoned by our thoughts, attitudes, and actions.

If asked, “Where do you need to experience freedom?” Many would talk about feelings of guilt over past failures, and fears of failing again. You may need liberation from worry and insecurity over finances, or anxiety over your job situation. You may need freedom from discouragement or the need for people’s approval. Stress is another binding agent as is our memories. And then there are addictions that keep us locked up.

How can we get set free? True freedom is rooted in our relationship with God. It is getting ourselves free from the distorted thinking about God and about our relationship with Him.

This is at the heart of our maxim we repeat every Sunday morning. That we are mighty men and women of valor; that we are greater in the eyes of God than we are in our own eyes, and while our hearts may condemn us, God is greater than our hearts and knows what truly lies within (Judges 6:11-16; 1 John 3:20).

So it begins with not how we feel, but in how we think.

Jesus said, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:31-32)

To abide means consistently and continually remain within something.

And while God’s word is true, Jesus is the ultimate truth (John 14:6), and He is the Word (John 1:1-3, 14).

So true freedom comes from knowing and remaining in Jesus Christ.