Many think of freedom as ‘Free from’; free from those who limit us; free from the rules that stop us having what we want. So we blame those who rule over us for keeping us from our desires. In our age however there is such freedom that when we can’t get what we want, the only one we have left to rage against is God. In Psalm 2 we read, “Let us break off their chains.” One would imagine such a cry coming from people who are oppressed, but these words come from ‘The kings of the earth,’ those who are the freest to do as they choose!
In reality, our lack of freedom comes not from the Lord, but from ourselves. We lack the courage to look into our own hearts and acknowledge our failure, our lack of courage to do what is right, or the way we ensnare ourselves through our evil desires. These are the real origins of our chains.
The Lord’s response to the kings is to present them with truth: “I have installed my king on Zion.” Jesus has been installed as my King. If my life is lined up with the Lord and His King then this statement brings joy, peace and freedom for together we can do anything. If however, I am living for my own will, then I respond as the kings do with terror at the Lord’s rebuke. I am terrified by what the Lord might take from me.
3 thoughts on “Freedom from whom?”
Well said. Living in the fear of the Lord, and a life of surrender to God’s will, brings the joy and peace that sets us free from all other fears. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Glenda, thanks for the comment. I find it a challenge. It is much easier to sit in self pity blaming everything on someone else. Once I take a stand to trust my God, there is an incredible sense of peace that I am in good hands and He will look after me. He has never failed! Derek