Freedom

So, I'm sitting here, having my afternoon time with God. My small group at church is going through a book by Stormie OMartian entitled, "The Prayer that Changes Everything". It is about praising God and releasing it into our prayer life. I have been quite challenged by this weeks reading. It is about praising God "Because He has forgiven me", and really deals with the aspect of freedom when we accept God's daily forgiveness in our lives. Lately, I have been pondering this thought, and this week's study has really hit home-What does freedom really look like?

Intellectually, I know that when I entered into a relationship with Christ that my sins were forgiven, and that God himself doesn't even remember them. But then....why do I keep bringing them up? It is as if I haven't forgiven myself for the sins I have committed. So then, how do I let that go?

In this book, Stormie emphasizes that by not accepting God's forgiveness, we cheapen the sacrifice He made on the cross. By all means, that is not what I want to do, but I do think there is a delicate line. On one hand, I don't ever want to forget what God saved me from. I want to always be grateful for what He has made new and alive in my life, but at the same time, I don't want to carry a "guilt syndrome" around, never experiencing COMPLETE freedom in Christ. Freedom not just to make right decisions, and live the life He meant for me, but a completely guilt free life. A life free of guilty feelings. I'm not sure I have ever experienced that kind of freedom on a daily basis. I have for periods of time, usually when I am involved in a time of worship, and man-I love the feeling! It's probably one of the reasons singing on my church's worship team is my greatest passion! There is nothing like being in the presence of God! To figuratively see Him, face to face, and be in awe of His presence. Nothing else matters when I am there-not my past, not my present-just Him! It is so cool.

So how do I get that freedom on a daily basis? Honestly, I'm not sure I know. I used to think that if I prayed more or read my Bible more, God would reveal it to me. Lately, I have found that when I ask God to simply change me, and let Him take over-He does, and I am different! So, I'm gonna try that and see if it works. As you can see, I'm on a bit of a journey where that is concerned. I did run across a Bible verse while I was studying this subject, and it gave me some comfort. Romans 8:1-2

"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death."
I guess I needed the reminder that it is not what we do, good or bad, that sets us free or condemns us. It is having a relationship with Jesus that gives us life. It's my relationship with Him that frees me from having to follow a set of laws that defines if I am good or bad. That's just legalism, and I am sooooooo over that!

I don't know if you are like me and live constantly with guilty feelings, but if you do, you are welcome to join me on my journey to complete freedom in Christ. Let me know how it works for you!

Lord, please show me what complete freedom in you is like, on a daily basis. Help me to let go of my guilty feelings and thoroughly accept your forgiveness in my life. I don't want to cheapen your sacrifice, but I also never want to take for granted why you came for me. God, I'm asking you to change me so I can live life to the fullness you promised. Only you can change my heart, so I'm asking you to be big in my life and do what only You can-change me!