True Hope and a Future

Sometimes we can find truth in unusual places, even in the lyrics of an old Eagles song. “So often times it happens that we live our lives in chains, and we never even know we have the key.” (“Already Gone.”)

Just last week we celebrated Independence Day here in the United States, a celebration of freedom. We credit God and dedicated servicemen and women for giving us that freedom, and rightly so. But many people, both here and abroad, have the illusion that those of us living in the United States are living in freedom. The truth is that we can be living in chains regardless of where we reside because true freedom is only found in Christ. …the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners… Isaiah 61:1

Christ came to set you free, so what is it that is holding you captive? What chains are enslaving you, keeping you from living in the freedom Christ offers?

Unforgiveness?

Jealousy or envy?

Pride?

Worry?

Anger?

The list goes on and on…


We live in chains because we choose to handle things ourselves rather than turning to Christ for guidance and direction.

We live our lives in chains because we listen to God but we don’t do what He says.

We live in chains because we refuse the freedom Christ offers.

Why are you living in chains?

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1

The choice is up to us. God does not want us living bound by sin. He wants us living in obedience to Him. Obedience to God doesn’t bring bondage, it brings freedom. Jesus directs us in Matthew 11:29-30, "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

We will find rest. We will live in freedom when we realize Jesus is the key to releasing the chains that bind us. The Key is available to all. What you do with it is up to you.

Jesus, thank you for paying the price for my freedom. I know that what is freely available to me cost you your life. Help me to remember that and to show my gratitude by living in the freedom you so generously offer.