Freedom for Your Mind

It is hard to stay hopeful for freedom in the midst of war. Yet, for the most part, isn’t that why kingdoms and governments have gone to war? When an invading nation or entity attacks, then the one who is attack defends itself from harm. It is in our DNA to fight for our freedom from tyranny and oppression.

I did not serve in our military, nor fought in any physical battles. But I have gone and waged war in the Spirit over many things and for the sake of many people. When I sit with people to hear about what battle they are facing, it is most often in their own mind and heart. Sometimes the war that wages in their mind is so loud, they can hardly believe that freedom could be theirs. They have given up the fight for freedom, they have forgotten that, “it is for freedom that Christ set us free.” (Galatians 5:1)

I get it. I’ve certainly been there too. Our very own thoughts can hold us captive. If we don’t know our way out, we will slowly die in captivity of the war that rages in our head. How do we overcome? 

Jesus gives some strategy to his disciples in John 8:32 in regard to this. He says, “and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” 

Have you heard this verse before?

It’s the truth of God that sets us free. And God set us free so that we could walk, talk and live in freedom. He didn’t want us to keep truth and freedom on the shelf. He wanted us to be practitioners, advocates, and purveyors of truth. 

How do we decipher the truth? 

He instructs us on the how in the preceding verse. He tells us to abide in his word. Here are the two together: 

So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32)

It seems there is very a clear strategy to win the war in our minds. Abide in his word– both in the word of the Bible, and also in what he speaks directly to you. If you’re having a hard time recognizing his voice, use 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 as a guide. It speaks on what love looks like when it’s lived out or spoken. If God is love, then we can know it’s his voice that is speaking to us, especially if we test it against these truths: 

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. 

And if you find, after reading this, that you’ve been listening to lies, reject them. Ask the Lord to bring you the truth. It will begin to set you free, just like he said it would. 

Praying freedom for you today! 

Erin