Lord our God, other lords besides you have ruled over us but your name alone do we honor (worship/trust). They are now dead and live no more, their spirits do not rise. You punished them and brought them to ruin. You wiped out all memory of them. Isaiah 26:13-14
The Bible contains several accounts of times when the children of Israel abandoned God and His ways. Oftentimes because of their rebellion, they were captured by enemies and heathen kings who oppressed them. In addition to this physical oppression, the lords of idolatry and lust also ruled over them (2 Chronicles 12:8, 2 Chronicles 28:6, Romans 6:16-18). However, when they cried out to God and repented, in His mercy He freed them from their oppressors. He brought their oppressors to ruin. In return, the children of Israel acknowledged and worshiped God.
This week, I read Isaiah 26:13-14. Reflecting on these verses reminded me of my own journey over the last seven years. For sure it has been a journey of pain and spiritual growth. You see, even though I have been a believer for some time, I too, like the children of Israel had allowed other lords to rule over me. I was oppressed and ruled by the lords of …..offense, anger, resentment, bitterness, despair, hopelessness, insecurity……you get the picture. Many times, these other lords made me so miserable.
How did I get free from the lords that enslaved me?
In despair, I cried out to the Lord. Through reading His word and prayers, God opened my eyes to the havoc these lords were wrecking in my life. With God’s help, the chains of these lords over me are now broken. They are dead, rendered powerless, no more alive. Better yet, God wiped all memory of them and filled me with peace, hope and love. Glory Alleluia!
As I yield and surrender my challenges, Christ has taken hold of me…… and given me His perspective. He has shown me the path to freedom. I invited Him to be the center of my life, to be my all in all. One by one, the stronghold of anger, bitterness, and hopelessness have become powerless. I found peace in Christ. I credit my spiritual growth during this journey to Christ alone. Sure, God sent others to encourage me along the way. They served as His instruments of hope in my life. I am grateful to each one of these godly men and women. In all, Christ is worthy of all my honor, adoration and praise.
How about you? Are there other lords ruling over you? Invite Christ into your situation and make Him the center of it all. He is ready and waiting for you!
Israel Houghton’s “Jesus at the Center, It’s all about You” captures the essence of my new found freedom.
Listen here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQspvrTBd6E
1 thought on “Freedom from other lords”
The Lord be greatly praised for your new found peace & freedom in him. Time and again we face despair and failure to leave it all to God even where we clearly can’t change anything, but to surrender. May the grace of God sustain this new joy in you and your family.