"If we are cut loose from the anchor of God's Word,
we will not be free. We will be slaves
of personal passions and popular trends."
John Piper on devotions
This morning—my husband’s alarm rattled me awake at 4:00 a.m. I was just drifting off again when startled by a loud crashing sound. In the darkness, as my husband was making his way from our bathroom to the bedroom door, he inadvertently walked into a box of “stuff” still hanging out in our room following the big bedroom swap from Saturday.
Walking in darkness causes its issues and difficulties. We stumble and grasp our way as we smack into obstacles. Have you noticed how one tiny nightlight bulb illuminates a fully darkened room so that you can see to do pretty much what you need?
Light is more powerful than darkness!
God’s word is light.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105
And God’s word is truth.
“Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.” John 17:17
“Because of the hope laid up for you in heaven, of which you previously heard, in the word of truth, the gospel.” Col. 1:5
It is in God’s word that we receive True Light.
One light eradicates the darkness for the steps before us to be clear. There is no liberty in the darkness of doubting, questioning, and fearing the next step. There is no freedom in hurting ourselves for choosing not to turn on the light.
Freedom is bound in surrender.
The world disagrees!
The world advocates freedom in living unhindered by another’s opinion and set of rules. Instead, live by your wits, your own sense of desire and obligation. But aren’t we then walking hindered by our current feelings, station, knowledge and disposition? We are still walking in darkness. Don’t we often find ourselves bound to the consequence of choices made out of our “freedom”?
“Our God wants us to trust his promises, not our short-sighted, distorted perceptions.” Jon Bloom
The only way to truly live free is to choose complete surrender.
Not to a religious organization. Not to a way of living. Not to daily spiritual disciplines—although helpful.
I’m finding that freedom comes in choosing to surrender what I think, what I do and how I do it—to God! And that is only possible by spending time getting to know Him and trusting Him that I know. And the more I know Him, the more I love Him and want to spend more time with Him!
More thoughts on this tomorrow...but a couple questions to think over:
How do I honestly feel about spending time with God?
Are devotions a burdensome duty in my life?
Am I walking in relationship or obeying a religion?
Am I living free in Christ or chained to striving in goodness?
