Blogger: Ps Sharon Kelly
Freedom is a word that we all crave. When we graduate High School we think “YAAY – we’re free”! And then when we finish college we think “YIPPEE – we’re free”! And then when we’re working and we leave for vacation we celebrate “WOOHOO – we’re free”. Our human hearts crave freedom.
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
John 8:36 NIV
What does does freedom look like? I think Matthew verse eleven shows us…
““Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.””
Matthew 11:28-30 MSG
- Come to me
Jesus asks – are you tired, worn out, burned out? And then tells us what to do when we are – to come to Him. We so often try to solve things, or work things out for ourselves, but the first thing Jesus wants us to do is to come to Him! Ohh how often we whine about something before we take it to Him! - Get away with me
I can’t do life well as a woman, a wife, a mother, or a pastor if I don’t spend regular time with Jesus. Setting aside time to read the Bible, pray and seek Him for what my day holds, or decisions I need to make, is the absolute key that keeps my life on track and gives me peace no matter what I face. - Walk with me
Not only do I spend regular time with God, but I include Him in every area of my life. He is the center of my life, the one I look to when I’m not sure, the only one who will never leave or forsake me. My relationship with Jesus is foundational and I wouldn’t be who I am today without Him – He is invited into every room in my home (my literal home as well as my life). - Work with me
For me, this means to “lean in” to whatever God wants. The key to this is reading your Bible and finding out what God likes, what He wants, what pleases Him. I love God and I want to live my life in a manner that pleases Him. - Keep company with me
God’s purpose is to give us a rich and abundant life – some translations say abundant life (John 10:10). I love that He wants that for you and I – I want to keep company with someone like that. I want to keep company with Jesus and be more like Him. What your mom told you all those years ago is true – you become like the people you keep company with.
No matter who we are or what we’re facing, Jesus has the ability to speak into your life in a millisecond. He is less than a heartbeat away with the peace you need.