FREEDOM

In case you were unaware, we are celebrating our semi-quincentennial as a nation! This is a big deal for those of us who missed out on the bicentennial celebration. Many of you have been reminded of how important this is by the random fireworks being shot off at any time from 1 p.m. to 2 a.m. and everywhere in between. 

It is good to reflect on our freedom as a nation. We often take our freedom for granted. People from all over the world have traveled to our country to watch the World Cup. It is interesting to see how they have reacted to our country, our freedoms, and our food. Who would have thought the TSA would have to crack down on people trying to smuggle Ranch dressing out of our country?

As we get ready to celebrate the freedom we have in our country, we need to also reflect on the freedom we have through the Lord. 

Too often we can get bogged down in our circumstances or our troubles. We can feel trapped. The Psalmist wrote about this way:

Let those who fear the LORD say, “His steadfast love endures forever.” Out of my distress, I called on the LORD; the LORD answered me and set me free. The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me? The LORD is on my side as my helper; I shall look in triumph on those who hate me. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes. — Psalm 118:4-9

We need to remember that the steadfast love of the Lord is everlasting. He does not run out of love for His children. We often try to free ourselves from the worries and troubles that seem to enslave us. The Lord is the only One who can truly free us from our distress. While many of us know this, our actions show that we don’t fully believe it or put it into practice. 

We need to follow the psalmist’s example and remind ourselves of the truth we know so that we can put it into practice. 

The psalmist first called on the Lord. When we are in distress, we must go to Him in prayer. He can and will set us free from our distress. This does not mean that He will take away all of our trouble or hardship. What it does mean is that He can free us from being controlled by our hardship.

Next, the psalmist reminds himself that the Lord is on his side. The Lord is our helper. How amazing is that? The Creator of the universe is ready and willing to help us. He will not remove hardship, but He will help us work through and overcome it. 

Finally, the psalmist reminds himself to put his trust in the Lord. Too often we put our full trust and confidence in other people. We want other people to solve our problems and be our refuge. It seems easier to do this because we can visibly see and interact with other people. We begin to put confidence in people as opposed to trusting the Lord. While we can find encouragement through others and they can help us, our confidence needs to be in the Lord. 

As we celebrate the freedoms we enjoy in our country, take some time to reflect on the true freedom you can have through the Lord! He sets us free regardless of circumstances.