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Independence Day is a time to celebrate being freed from something; in most cases, some tyranny. America celebrated 250 years of independence from British rule. But what does independence look like for a Christ-follower?
In general, independence means the state of being free from the control, influence, or support of others.
In that vein, there are many things worthy of celebration—and not just once a year.
For example, the moment I accepted Jesus as my savior and said with my mouth that I will follow him, I became free from the control of spiritual darkness caused by the God of this world, satan, or the devil.
The reality goes much deeper than that, but the truth is, it marked the day of my independence. There is the daily reality of walking and living in that truth, but today’s focus is understanding the cause for celebration because of your independence.
Another cause for celebration is when a life-threatening situation is removed from your life. This could be physical and spiritual.
Being removed from:
A life-threatening situation, like:
a natural disaster
a chemical dependence
an abusive relationship, like being held a prisoner, or against your will
There are many things life throws at you to hold you captive.
Jesus put it this way in the gospel of John:
“A thief is only there to steal and kill and destroy. I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of.”
John 10:10 The Message
The devil is the thief, but many “thieves” can ensnare you.
For example, thoughts and imaginations can hold you in a terrifying prison.
People’s words (incidental or intentional) can bind you up.
Addictions like food or pornography (although not chemical addictions) can take you captive.
Why celebrations are important
In the Old Testament book of Exodus, God spoke to Moses to tell the children of Israel,
“Moses said to the people, “Always remember this day. This is the day when you came out of Egypt from a house of slavery. God brought you out of here with a powerful hand. Don’t eat any raised bread.”
Exodus 13:3 The Message
In other words, today is a day of celebration because I am setting you free—remember it.
Celebrations are important because they serve as a reminder of former bondages. Freedom from those bondages is sweet, but remembrances of the bondages remind you that no matter what you may be going through today, it isn’t as bad as the bondage you lived through before being set free.
If you haven’t been freed from the bondages that hold you captive, you have a glorious celebration to look forward to.
Here are a few suggestions that could help you.
- The end of yourself
I grew up with a saying: ‘Desperate people pray, and prayer keeps you desperate.’
Desperate people are those at the end of their rope, (finally) turn to God.
The Old Testament Psalmist put it this way:
“When I was desperate, I called out, and God got me out of a tight spot.”
Psalms 34:6 The Message
It is too often typical of human nature. We do not take something seriously until we are in a desperate situation. And for some reason, bondages have such a hold that we need to be at the very end before that happens.
But if that is the case, you are in a good place, because God will get you out of a tight spot.
- Call unto me
God usually doesn’t show up as God (I doubt we could handle it if He did), but as someone who can help.
A widowed woman in the Old Testament was in a hard place. A famine left the country destitute of food and basic provisions for living. She prayed to God for help.
“So he got up and went to Zarephath. As he came to the entrance of the village he met a woman, a widow, gathering firewood. He asked her, “Please, would you bring me a little water in a jug? I need a drink.”
As she went to get it, he called out, “And while you’re at it, would you bring me something to eat?”
She said, “I swear, as surely as your God lives, I don’t have so much as a biscuit. I have a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a bottle; you found me scratching together just enough firewood to make a last meal for my son and me. After we eat it, we’ll die.”
Elijah said to her, “Don’t worry about a thing. Go ahead and do what you’ve said. But first make a small biscuit for me and bring it back here. Then go ahead and make a meal from what’s left for you and your son.”
I Kings 17:10-13 The Message
What a powerful story. He will do the same for you.
The Old Testament prophet Jeremiah was in trouble. He had been thrown in jail.
“While Jeremiah was still locked up in jail, a second Message from God was given to him:
This is God’s Message, the God who made earth, made it livable and lasting, known everywhere as God:
Call to me and I will answer you. I’ll tell you marvelous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own.”
Jeremiah 33:1-3 The Message
God instructed the prophet to call out to Him, with the promise that He would not only answer but also show him a solution.
In the New Testament gospel of Luke, a blind man heard that Jesus was nearby, so he called out to him. Jesus came to him.
“What do you want from me?” He said, “Master, I want to see again.”
Jesus said, “Go ahead – see again! Your faith has saved and healed you!”
The healing was instant: He looked up, seeing – and then followed Jesus, glorifying God. Everyone in the street joined in, shouting praise to God.”
Luke 18:41-43 The Message
So, call out to God. He will answer you.
- Trust the Lord
Coming to the end of yourself and calling on God are important steps, but trust is essential. If you do not trust God to show up on your behalf, you have only short-changed yourself.
The wisdom of Solomon helps you understand.
“Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 The Message
In other words, trust is a fundamental part of human nature. Resist the temptation to figure it out. God will show up (usually as someone willing to help) and take care of you.
- Ask, given
Jesus tells us to ask, and it will be given to us.
“Don’t bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need. ”
Matthew 7:7 The Message
In this case, you need to ask for a community. A community is not necessarily a church (it could be), but you need a group of like-minded people in various stages of their journey.
This could be a support group, (it could be) but be careful because your freedom comes from turning to God and leaning into Jesus, not self-help.
- Surround yourself with like-minded people
Like-minded people begin with those who lean into Jesus. Even if they have not personally experienced the bondages you have, the bond of Christ-centered fellowship helps you lean into the Lord to find the freedom you need.
“This letter is from Simon Peter, a slave and apostle of Jesus Christ.
I am writing to you who share the same precious faith we have. This faith was given to you because of the justice and fairness[fn] of Jesus Christ, our God and Savior.”
II Peter 2:1 The New Living Translation
When you surround yourself with such people, your chance of freedom increases, which makes your celebration even sweeter.
Take a moment to remember what God has delivered you from, then determine to celebrate it, thanking him for his goodness in your life.
The call of the Spirit is going out across the land for light bearers and (wisdom-speaking) truth givers to bring the words of life to a lost and dying world—one person at a time.
The journey is exciting and scary, and I am grateful to everyone who is willing to follow along as I take it.