Power-Less…
Most of us will never find ourselves behind actual jail cell bars, but often invisible bars keep us locked up tight. Some of those bars are bad habits, some are past hurts, some are poor decisions, still more come from the illusion that we can control what seems to be out of control.
The state of our heart longs for freedom, yet it seems just out of reach. We feel powerless.
And the truth is: we are. But with the Holy Spirit dwelling in us and Jesus interceding for us and a Father who is the sustainer of all life defending us – why do we need power?
The root of all of life’s messes is self. Self wants to do what self wants to do – surely in that there is freedom and power. And then the mess occurs. Locked in the prison self creates we cry out for freedom. Perhaps power-less is safer after all. Perhaps exercising freedom really comes in the form of knowing we can do what we want, but choosing to do what a loving God wants instead.
Maybe we can replace power with purpose, perseverance, prayer. Therein power and freedom collide. Even these are not our own making but liberally supplied by our Soul Lover: “For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose.” (Philippians 2:13 NIV) “May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.” (2Thessalonians 3:5 NIV) “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7 NIV)
This is my struggle this week. To surrender that which I can’t control anyways. To let the peace of God guard my heart and my mind. To persevere when I really just want to crawl under the covers.
“True freedom is not the power to do what we want, but the power to choose not to.” Pastor Matt Price Father, may our choices this week set us free because we choose Your power, Your freedom – we choose You.
parisrenae 
“True freedom is not the power to do what we want, but the power to choose not to.” YES!!! This is a lesson I have tried to teach my children as they became old enough to make their own choices. Loved this devotion!
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Funny, it’s a lesson we all seem to need a refresher on as we walk this life. Blessings as you choose Him for you are His beloved…
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Hi, from your neighbor at RaRa linkup. Surrendering control, that is my struggle too. It will be our struggle til we are rid of this flesh. Praise God that He gives us power to live in Christ-likeness. Thank you for sharing this. May your soul be refreshed as He empowers you to do His will.
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Thanks for stopping by 🙂 Yes, it will be til we see Him face to face, but in those moments where we surrender now, oh so sweet. A taste of eternity is found in choosing Him, His power, His ways. Blessings on the journey…
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Paris,
I was your neighbour at #ChasingCommunity today. Saying a prayer for you. This is my favorite line today:
“Most of us will never find ourselves behind actual jail cell bars, but often invisible bars keep us locked up tight. ”
Thanks for helping guide people to the keys that unlock prison doors.
~Sherry Stahl
xoxo
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Sherry, thank you for your prayers, we all can use more and more of those. Such a sweet fellowship of the spirit to have a believer you’ve never seen face to face lift you up. Praying for you my sweet sister that as you walk in His freedom His strength will guide you moment by moment.
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Thanks for your email and your prayers 🙂
~Sherry
xoxo
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Thanks so much Paris.
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“The root of all life’s messes is self.” Isn’t that just the truth? It all seems to come back to pride, doesn’t it? Daily, it’s my struggle to surrender what I can’t control. Why must we be so quick to forfeit the peace that comes with that? I suppose it’s a symptom of being human. 🙂 Good words today, Paris, thank you for sharing with #ChasingCommunity. ((hug))
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We were just talking about it at Bible study today – self, the root of all sin. Thanks for your encouragement and your link up. Such a great place to gather 🙂
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