Throughout the Bible, we see people being set free. When the Israelites were in captivity, ‘they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress’ (v.13 NIV). When people were trapped in their sin, Jesus forgave them and set them free. Jesus can free us today, and ‘if the Son sets you free, you are free through and through’ (John 8:36 MSG). So how do we access that freedom? Firstly, we have to want freedom, and we have to realise we need God’s help to get it. We can’t do it in our own strength. Freedom starts by recognising our total dependence on Him. Instead of trying to handle it all on your own, the Bible says, ‘Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you’ (1 Peter 5:7 NIV). We can get so caught up in trying to find freedom on our own, trying to fix ourselves, we forget to turn to God. But it’s not about fixing ourselves, it’s about devoting ourselves. And devoting ourselves leads on to the second point. We need to be feeding our souls. Jesus said, ‘I am the living bread…If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever’ (John 6:51 NIV). As we feed on God’s Word and share our feelings in prayer, He’ll lighten our burdens and nourish our souls. He came to declare ‘freedom for the prisoners…to release the oppressed’ (Luke 4:18 NIV). So let’s take time to meditate on God’s Word. And to reflect on it until we understand how to apply it to our lives. Knowledge without application is useless. Freedom requires feeding daily on the Bible, and applying what we learn to our circumstances.

What Now?

Spend time feeding your soul today. Find a quiet space, grab your Bible and get reading. Write down any verses that stand out to you.