Happy Independence Day! Today is all about the freedom/independence of America right? But what about the freedom that God grants us every single day if we just give our whole self to Him! Usually on the Fourth of July, everyone is mainly focused on fireworks, seeing friends/family, or just celebrating the freedom and/or greatness of our country. But what if we turned our focus over to God instead of the pretty lights from the fireworks? No matter what day, or whatever situation it may be, we need to realize that God will set our chains free. Free from the bondage of anxiety. Free from the bondage of fear. Free from the bondage of self-doubt. Free from the bondage of depression. Free from it ALL. All the evil of this world and all it takes is you reaching for God’s hand today. “But now you are free from the power of sin and have become slaves of God. Now you do those things that lead to holiness and result in eternal life” (Romans 6:22 NLT). So when we give God our hand and take that leap of faith to finally be set free from sin…there’s still more…you need to also act out faith. You can’t be a follower of Christ and yet still stray away from Him by still living out a life full of sin. Being a follower of Christ means walking and talking like Jesus! When you live out the purpose God has laid out for you, or you also share kindness and love to the people who think they don’t deserve it…you don’t just become free from sin, but you also receive eternal life with Jesus! Wow! Living out your God-given purpose whether it’s writing, preaching, art, or whatever it may be, will not just free you from the bondage of sin, but also grant you eternal life. God is so good!

If you are currently feeling trapped or imprisoned with depression, anxiety, fear, doubt, or whatever it may be…let it go and give it to God. Tell God your burdens. Tell Him your doubts. Tell Him you want to be set free from sin and ask Him to fill your heart with His Holy Spirit today! It may be Independence Day for America, but when you give your life to Jesus, it’s Independence Day every single day for you and God because you are not just set free, you are also granted eternal life! “We have freedom now, because Christ made us free. So stand strong in that freedom. Don’t go back into slavery again” (Galatians 5:1 ERV). Each day is a new battle and a choice. What will you choose? Freedom with Christ? Or slavery/bondage with sin and the devil. Choose wisely. But know, God will forgive you no matter what if you just repent and give your whole self to Him. Once you choose Jesus…Independence Day is every day because freedom with Jesus is an everlasting celebration that’s going to take place even when we receive that gift of eternal life with Him. God bless you all and Happy Independence Day.

Amen.