Dear Ones,
This is an early devotional for Saturday since I will be at the lake without my computer. May you live in peace and experience freedom in new ways this day.
Devotions from Judy’s heart
We celebrate our freedom as we gather on the 4th of July and enjoy that freedom because of brave men who paid the price and fought for it. Freedom is a precious gift and I am reminded about the Israelites who had to fight for each city they took in order to possess the land the Lord promised to them. They had to first conquer the people living there who worshiped idols before they could occupy the land. There was a struggle and fight to be set free from the bondage of slavery.

We also have to struggle and be set free from anything that would block us from enjoying a life of freedom in the Lord. Maybe we are held captive by anxiety, worry, fear, guilt, depression etc. and we are not experiencing the wonderful life God has for us. We don’t need to stay in bondage but we can pray for the Lord to set us free. What follows is the need to be ready to obey whatever part is ours to do. The Holy Spirit desires that we follow His leading and He will give us courage and strength to do what is necessary for change.

King David was often afraid as he had so many enemies fighting against him. When he was captured by the Philistines in Gath, he prayed, “Even when I am afraid, I still trust you. I praise the word of God. I trust God. I am not afraid. What can mere flesh and blood do to me?” (Psalms 56:3-4) Even in his fear, he trusted God. At the close of this Psalm he thanks God that He did everything He promised and he was saved from death and set free. Verse 13 goes on to say, “Now I stroll at leisure with God in the sunlit fields of life.” That is freedom!
Let us pray and surrender all our fears and worries and struggles to God and let Him do a work in us to set us free.

Challenge for today: Any area you are not yet free, give to the Lord in trust and then do whatever part He has for you to do.
Blessings on your weekend and prayers and love, Judy