God is in the business of setting people free – morally and spiritually. When the Israelites were in bondage, ‘they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress’ (v. 13 RSV). Jesus still delivers day after day, and ‘if the Son sets you free, you are free through and through’ (John 8:36 MSG). So follow these steps to freedom:
1) Cry out to the Lord. He said, ‘You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart’ (Jeremiah 29:13 NIV 2011 Edition). The cry of the Israelites was a repeated heart-cry, and God still responds to cries from the heart. Deliverance starts by recognising your total dependence on Him. Instead of trying to handle it all on your own, the Bible says, ‘Cast all your [care] on him, because he cares for you’ (1 Peter 5:7 RSV).
2) Feed your soul spiritually. Jesus said, ‘I am the living bread…Whoever eats this bread will live forever’ (John 6:51 NIV 2011 Edition). As you feed on God’s Word and share your feelings in prayer, He’ll lighten your burden and nourish your soul. He came to declare ‘freedom for the prisoners…to set the oppressed free’ (Luke 4:18 NIV 2011 Edition).
Take time to meditate on God’s Word. Reflect on it until you understand how to apply it to your life. Knowledge without application is useless. Freedom requires feeding daily on the Scriptures, and applying what you learn to your present circumstances. ‘Happy are those who…love the LORD’s teachings, and…think about those teachings day and night’ (Psalm 1:1-2 NCV). Do it each and every day – and be set free!
1 Kings 10-11, Acts 5:1-20
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