Only in You, Lord, Am I Free

Often when we speak of freedom, we immediately identify it to be a fundamental right of every human being protected by the Constitution. The pursuit of freedom has been the cause of struggles and battles throughout human history.

However, we can observe in society that the freedom of some can mean the restriction of others’ rights. Even more terrible is the turn toward debauchery in seeking freedom because truth is considered subjective.

But freedom can be achieved only when we are aware of what it really means.

We, by ourselves, cannot achieve freedom, and we can’t offer it to ourselves. True freedom can be achieved only by accepting and internalizing the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. Without Christ, our human inclination is to sin, which makes us slaves.

The nature of true freedom is spiritual—how Jesus cleanses us from sin and redeems us with His blood. He renews us through His Holy Spirit to be a new people who live in holiness, free from sin’s dominion.

For love’s sake, we were called to be free and to share that freedom with others. This beautiful freedom is possible if we seek to know and stay in the Word and delight in building a more intimate relationship with the Lord. It is seeking His direction through His Word. It is knowing how to face the challenges of life according to His heart; it is knowing His promises, which will be our sustenance amid the dark valleys of life when we feel completely alone.

Praising God in all circumstances also sets us free. Remember when Paul and Silas were in prison? Even then, they agreed to enthrone our Lord through singing His praises. Let’s also remember King David who, through the Psalms, offered praise amid his difficulties. What began as a simple exercise in faith and hope for these men became the tool God used to set each of them free! God desires that—whatever our circumstance—we raise our voices in praise and thanks to Him.

Believe + Trust + Praise God = Freedom

True freedom is living in sync with God’s Spirit. Freedom is being who I am as God made me—without the control of events or circumstances, without other people manipulating or nullifying what the Lord established when He created me.

Freedom is believing what my eyes do not see but knowing what is true through faith in God. Freedom is understanding and experiencing the sovereignty, fidelity, and care that the Lord always provides for you and me—because we are His beloved daughters. Freedom is, finally, living in complete trust and dependence upon the Father. For only in you, Lord, I am free!

“And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness” (Col. 2:6–7, NLT).