WHAT DO YOU NEED FREEING FROM?
If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:38
Yesterday I turned on some Hillsong music while I worked on a new project and was surrounded by the wonderful words:
“Who the Son sets free will be free indeed!”
What can you do but join in! Here are more lines from this theologically grounded song:
“I am chosen, not forsaken,
I am who You say I am!
In my Father’s house there’s a place for me,
I’m a child of God, Yes I am.
You are for me, not against me,
I am who You say I am!”
The more I joined in singing, raising my arms, and bathing my mind in the wonder of belonging to the God of the universe, the more I thought of the times I’ve struggled with the truth of those words.
I also thought of the many women I’ve counseled who also struggle with the truths this song affirms. Do You? If so, let me ask you:
Does it matter what you think about how God views you? Yes, it does!
Scripture urges, “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life” (Proverbs 4:23). “Heart” and “mind” are often used interchangeably in the Bible—one speaking of our emotions, the other of our thinking.
Why the warning? Because what you think and tell yourself determines the direction of your life. And not only the direction of your life, but whether it is a life filled with joy, purpose, and assurance that God loves you!
Instead of allowing yourself to be defeated by demoralizing self-talk, start questioning what you tell yourself. You can begin this process of transforming your mind by asking:
Is what I’m telling myself Biblically true?
- The truth is this: God chose you in him before you ever existed. It wasn’t because of something you did or are or have accomplished, God wanted to have you as His precious child. (Ephesians 1:4-14)
- The truth is this: you are forgiven of all the ugly, messy, mean, and self-centered things you’ve done or wanted to do. God is for you—not against you.
- The truth is this: God wants to bless you and make you a blessing to others. You are not worthless, useless, or too insignificant for Him to care about. He is for you, will never condemn you, and works in you to will and desire and act in ways that please Him. (Romans 8:26-39; Philippians 2:13)
So, ask yourself:
Is what I’m telling myself based on truth or assumption? Does it match what God’s Word says?
If it doesn’t, let me encourage you to write out what Scripture does say about God’s view of you. Pray it out loud. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you begin to accept and affirm what God says.
And sing those wonderful true words again—until they are stuck in your mind and won’t go away!
“I am chosen, not forsaken,
I am who You say I am!
In my Father’s house there’s a place for me,
I’m a child of God, Yes I am.
You are for me, not against me,
I am who You say I am!”