christian living, control, faith walk, freedom in Christ, God first, God's Word, inner critic, restoration, should, trust
Freedom? I don’t know about you, but I often feel like I still have chains binding me to choices, relationships, behaviors, and situations. The truth is, I may still live with the consequences of those choices and situations, but I live with them as a free person. A person set free by the only One who can free anyone – Jesus Christ. That fact is a game changer.
I recently heard a pastor say this, “In Christ, God doesn’t just forgive sin; He removes its pollution.”
The pollution image stuck with me. I see pollution as having a cumulative impact. It’s not just today’s choice that changed the air quality, it’s choices made over time that make the air thick and hard to breathe. The cumulative impact of my previous choices have the potential to rob my mind of peace, but In Christ I’ve been washed, made clean, and I am no longer condemned.
I’m learning I have a tendency to dwell on the past in unhealthy ways. In a sense, I’ve created mental pollution and invited it to hang around, even though I am no longer condemned. Ugh.
Don’t misunderstand – there are plenty of past circumstances I still live with the consequences of, but how I approach them now is as one who has been set free. Christ removed the guilt, shame and condemnation on the cross. He bought my freedom, including its stain. He gave me His righteousness in return. Whew. Yes! And Amen!
He also gives me His strength to face the lingering impacts of past choices.
This is great news!
Do I live like I believe this everyday?
Not always, but by God’s grace, I’m growing in my understanding of what it looks like to live in His freedom.
Maybe your “pollution” is a wrong done to you – Christ’s freedom covers that! It doesn’t mean the all hurt and pain will disappear. But God. He loves you and gives grace to help you move forward in His freedom and grace, one small step at a time. There is no time limit. He never leaves. He is with you.
Friend, this is my encouragement for you – we get to live free, because Christ has set us free. I’m learning I can address the past through the hope of my future. I can own my stuff – the pollution I’ve created for others, as well as the pollution dumped on me – and then by God’s grace walk forward in Christ’s Freedom.
Repeat this to yourself:
He sees me – right where I am.
He knows every detail of my situation.
He loves me and He will not leave my side.
“If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:36
“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” 2 Cor. 3:17
Bible verses for more insight: Psalm 139:1-3, Proverbs 15:3, John 10:27, John 3:16, Romans 5:8, Ephesians 2:4, Romans 8:38, Psalm 103:11, Psalm 31:7
You are not alone in the struggle to live free and silence the inner critic. Join a community of women who are learning to rewrite their inner dialogue. Get my twice-monthly Yellow Boots Insight newsletter with tools, stories and reminders you are enough. (Click on “Yellow Boots Insight” for the link.)
christian living, control, faith walk, God first, grace, humility, impatience, perseverance, relationships, trust
The thought started small, and I assumed, innocent enough. After all, I’m just thinking what I’m thinking. But as it bubbled up, I didn’t put it in check, rather I watched it, or let it, too quickly come to a boil. The problem for me as a high verbal person, is thoughts that heat up inside me, soon tumble out of me.
How many times would it have been good to douse myself with the proverbial bucket of water? To put out the flame of my words before they could scorch another?
If you don’t or haven’t struggled with controlling your words, please keep reading and willingly understand better, those of us who do! Often, it’s those closest to us that are seared by the pain of uncontrolled words shooting out like fireworks.
I have analyzed the progression asking myself, what takes me from zero to blaster so quickly? My personal conclusion? I’m trying to control something: a situation, an outcome, or a perception. I’m controlling and not trusting.
As the temperatures outside have soared, I began to see the correlation to the “heat” that sometimes rises within me. If this is you too, can I first remind you that you are Seen, Known and Loved by your Creator. Say them together: Seen, Known and Loved. He sees us every moment, all the time. He sees us at our best and our worst. He knows AND He loves. Let that sink in for a moment or longer. When the heat rises I need to be refreshed!
Because of Christ we are forgiven for our yesterdays, todays and tomorrows. We are cleansed, made right, eternally loved and deeply known. I admit that I have not always tapped into this truth that Christ died to secure. I continue, like a 2 year old, saying I can do it myself. And as Dr. Phil asks, How’s that working for you?
Friends, it takes surrender of self to live like Christ. I admit I usually think I know stuff! BUT the God who created me and sent His only Son, knows infinitely more than I. So how do I set my need to lead, know and decide, down and invite Him and His infinite wisdom into the process? It’s a daily, moment by moment putting down my pride, my “I can do it myself” bravado and surrendering, resting, in His tender, loving care. I have to allow His love, His words and His truth to refresh my soul.
Lean in, friend. Not stiffly, but like the two year old who finally gives in and slumps over, completely surrendered, head on chest. You too, can let go. Lay it all at His feet and be refreshed by His love for you today.
Whenever and however you can, add His truth to your daily thoughts. Let them refresh you. Read His Word, listen to the audio Bible, listen to a life giving podcast or play worship music that speaks His character and truth. The world is loud and the enemy of our souls loves to keep us from hearing God’s truth.
Here are some verses about being “refreshed” to get you started.
Romans 15: 32- 33 The apostle Paul writing to the church in Rome, hoping to visit the church in Rome, expresses his desire to be with them: 32 so that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company. 33 May the God of peace be with you all. Amen. ( we are refreshed by other believers)
Acts 3:2 Times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus (relief, rest, refreshing)
Proverbs 3:5-8 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. 7 Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. 8 It will be healing to your flesh, and refreshment to your bones. (trusting, acknowledging, turning and fearing bring deep healing and refreshment)
