Without inner freedom–freedom from the dominion of our own desire and self-will–we humans are still in bondage no matter how much we pridefully proclaim and celebrate our liberty. People like to use outward freedom as an excuse to justify their inner bondage but there’s no real freedom without inner freedom.
True freedom is freedom from mental and emotional torment and oppression. Without inner freedom we human beings are only pretending to be free. Until we find freedom within, outward freedom will only be superficial. No Bill of Rights can give people inner freedom. They have to find that for themselves.
The key to inner freedom is to be in Christ. To be in Christ is to no longer live by your will and desires. It is to align and surrender your will and desires to His–to go wherever He takes you–to live moment by moment in obedience to and reliance on Him. It is to be crucified with Christ–to be dead to your own will and desires. To be in Christ is to be resurrected, inhabited, and led by His presence.
The more you align your will and desires with Jesus the more you will see His power flowing in and through you. The more you are in Christ, the more you will hear His voice. You can hear Him. Listen closely throughout each day.
When you’re feeling encouraged for no reason, you’re hearing Jesus. Listen to Him. When you’re feeling forgiven and you know you don’t deserve it, you’re hearing Jesus.
When you’re experiencing inner peace in the middle of one of life’s storms, you’re hearing Jesus. When you’re experiencing joy while your heart is breaking, you’re hearing Jesus.
When you’re feeling patient in the middle of a major delay, you’re hearing Jesus. When you’re feeling kind in a hostile environment, you’re hearing Jesus.
When you’re empowered to do good when you want to be bad, you’re hearing Jesus. When you’re being faithful when you want to quit, you’re hearing Jesus.
When you’re being gentle when you want to lash out, you’re hearing Jesus. When you’re keeping yourself under control when you want to lose it, you’re hearing Jesus. Always listen for His voice.
Free Gas for Your Think Tank -- Fill Your Mind and Your Heart With Hope 