Articles
When will I ever be free…?
When will I ever be free…?
Of concerns over the future--decisions to make, the specter of tomorrow, growing old, retirement?
Of sin--fighting temptation and not always winning, beating one thing and then finding another cropping up in its place, and the guilt it brings?
Of disappointment--both of what I inflict and what is inflicted upon me?
Of fear--when it comes to my spouse, my children, my parents, my brethren, our nation?
Of doubt--whether in the process of prayer, struggles with asking God "why?," or especially doubting myself?
Of neglect--leaving undone things central to my purpose as a Christian due to apathy, distraction, misplaced priorities, and the like?
Of failure--trying and not succeeding, not trying hard enough, not knowing what or how to try, and of simply falling short?
Of betrayal--whether through gossip, lying, broken promises, insincerity, or treachery?
Of insecurity--that can result from any of these and other struggles?
We don't always have days when we wonder these things, but they come around often enough that they can prey on our minds. Sometimes, we face these questions due to our shortcomings. Other times, it's because of the failings of others. Both can lead to despair.
The wonderful news is that we can be free of them all. There is a day coming when none of these will weigh us down ever again. I love the encouragement of the Hebrews' writer, who urges, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted" (12:1-3).
Whether we are struggling due to our sinfulness or if it is any other weight, we're encouraged to hang on and hang in there. When the struggle might be the greatest, that's when we've got to turn and fix our focus on Jesus. Watch how He won! See what He did! Remember that He helps make it possible for us to fight and win.
If you are in the valley of despair right now, for whatever reason, don't give up! Look to Jesus. Hang on! The end is in sight. Through Him, we will overcome!
