We do not have to physically hear the haunting sound of a cage of metal closing us in to be in a prison. We do not have to be herded away from our home land like the Israelites were, to be taken into captivity, or feel the weight of chains on our wrist or ankles to be a slave. Prison, captivity, slavery are all terms of bondage spoken of in the Bible. Sin, fear, addiction are a few examples of bondages we can find ourselves in today. The awesome news is that God sent His Son to open prison doors and set captives free! He has not given us a spirit of bondage, and we are no longer slaves to sin.

Whoever He sets free is free indeed! Our physical circumstances cannot dictate the terms of freedom that our Savior has for us. We could actually be chained to a prison wall like Paul was and be free in Christ. Jesus has set us free from sin and death. He has the keys and no one can lock those doors again. But the battle isn’t over.

How do we maintain our freedom? “It was for freedom that Christ set us free: therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery” (Galatians 5:1).

We have to remember that maintaining freedom is a daily thing. Put on your armor each day, pray that God will guide and protect you, help you to make good decisions and to stay firm against any temptation. He has sent the Holy Spirit to be our helper. We can stand firm in our faith knowing that Jesus has paid the price for our freedom.

Dear Heavenly Father,

I thank You for setting me free and helping me to live in peace and freedom regardless of the turmoil that may be going on all around me, or even in my own life. As I look at the disciples, and others, and the persecutions they endured when spreading Your word, I see devout men and women of faith who knew their true freedom and peace was in You. I ask that You help me to remember that I, too, can walk in Your freedom and peace regardless of what strife and struggles await me in this life. May I be bold enough to share You with the world in every situation that may arise. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

What struggles are you going through that keep you from being close to God and leading others to Him? The apostle Paul wrote much of his writings in the New Testament while in prison. Imagine the torment he must have endured, yet he kept his mind on Christ and was able to live in freedom even when bound by chains and locked behind bars. Because he focused on writing letters in order to lead others to a right relationship with the Lord, he was able to live in peace and freedom