Is it possible to experience spiritual freedom? How do we stop negative thoughts and break free?
I hope this devotional provides insight into spiritual freedom and the joy you find breaking free from negativity.
In High School, I participated in an end-of-year field day enjoying the events, camaraderie, and freedom from classwork.
However, I dreaded the three-legged race.
In the race, partners tie one of their legs to each other and run toward the finish line.
I am a big fan of working together to reach a goal but running across a field connected to someone is frustrating.
Your natural abilities are restrained; you strive but can’t fulfill your potential.
Regardless of the race’s outcome, the highlight was untying the cord and breaking free!
I find this to be a great visual when reflecting on spiritual freedom–when we untie or stop negative thoughts we find spiritual freedom.
What is Spiritual Freedom
“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty [emancipation from bondage, true freedom].”
2 Corinthians 3:17 AMP
In my faith journey, I often reflect on this sense of freedom.
Accepting Christ’s forgiveness and becoming defined by a new identity introduces true freedom.
“So if the Son makes you free, then you are unquestionably free.”
John 8:36 AMP
Embracing unquestionable freedom is transformative and ushers in peace and joy.
“Radical freedom is a clear conscience. It doesn’t mean you’re perfect. But it does mean you’re forgiven. And that’s good news!”
Rick Warren
But we all face challenges and trials that cause pestering thoughts and patterns to resurface stealing our peace and joy.
Tying rejection, fear, or failure to our hearts disrupts freedom and causes spiritual weariness.
In Christ, there is an alternative for reclaiming freedom by untying negative thoughts and feelings and trusting Him.
Reclaiming Spiritual Freedom
Drawing close to God and regularly connecting with Him, empowers you to stop negative thoughts and cut off things that suffocate your spirit.
Identifying unhealthy bonds is not always easy. The best way to identify strongholds is by asking God to reveal what is troubling your spirit and stealing your spiritual freedom.
Jesus has the power to break every chain; He has broken many in my life.
“For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.” Galatians 5:13 NLT
When unhealthy, negative thoughts and empty pursuits threaten to cling to you, ask Jesus to help you stop negative thoughts, untie those cords, and break free.
“As you understand your identity in Christ, renew your mind with God’s Word, reject and replace negative labels, surround yourself with an encouraging community, pray for God’s perspective, and step out in faith, you will walk in the fullness of who God created you to be. Embrace your identity in Christ. You are loved, chosen, and equipped for a beautiful purpose. Let go of the negative labels that no longer serve you and step boldly into the life God has prepared for you.”
An intimate relationship with God restores true spiritual freedom so you can walk in His love while reaching your full potential.
“Contrary to the fairy tales, receiving Christ does not mean that we won’t have conflicts in our lives. However, we can overcome them because of our position in Christ as children of God. The Steps to Freedom in Christ helps Christians reclaim the promise of freedom that Christ offers all who come in His name. It includes a spiritual inventory to help identify and break free from condemning thoughts, compulsive behaviors, personal conflicts, spiritual struggle and despair, and any type of personal or spiritual bondage.”
Neil T. Anderson, The Steps to Freedom in Christ
This devotional on Spiritual Freedom was published as part of the DayBreak Devotional series on Crossmap.com.
Author
Mary Rooney Armand
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This was so good. I am keeping this to refer back to on an ongoing basis. Wonderful teaching. Actually, this is brilliant. I am sharing with others.
Thank you Yasmen for letting me know you were encouraged and for sharing with others!
This was such a well-crafted article. The way you explain things is both engaging and enlightening—perfect for readers like me who are looking to learn more.