Today, let’s begin with a question that may seem simple—what exactly is freedom?
If you’ve struggled with any form of bondage for any length of time, it’s easy to think of freedom in the following manner:
“I’ll be free when I no longer struggle with (fill in the blank) and it is no longer a part of my life.”
We naturally define freedom as the absence of whatever it is that we tend to struggle with—but this is not the way the Bible defines freedom. Paul says it this way,
“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” (2 Corinthians 3:17 ESV)
Paul is putting forward an idea here that is revolutionary to the way most of us think. Freedom is not the absence of something, but the presence of someone—the very Spirit of God.
It is critical we understand this. If we define freedom as getting something out of our lives, we will put all of our efforts toward that end. But if we shift the way we look at freedom—if we realize it is the fruit of living a life that flows from the very presence of God, we will put our efforts toward something different. We will not focus on getting something out of our lives as much as living from a place of connectedness to God’s presence.
In Matthew’s gospel, Jesus gives us an example that provides further insight:
“When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, but finds none. Then it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when it comes, it finds the house empty, swept, and put in order. Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there, and the last state of that person is worse than the first.” (Matthew 12:43–45, ESV)
In other words, it’s not enough to empty the house. You have to fill it. Freedom is not the fruit of merely emptying yourself of something bad, but the fruit of being full of the Spirit of God, and living a life that flows from union with Him.
Freedom is as much about what you are putting into your life as it is about what you are getting out. It’s not just about what you are saying no to. It’s about finding a better yes—and that better yes is a life that is filled with the presence of God.
Day 3 Freedom Work
Scripture Reading — Read 2 Corinthians 3 and Matthew 12, taking notes on what leads to freedom and transformation, and what leads to continued bondage.
Journaling Exercises — Answer the following questions at length in your journal. Aim to write for about 5-7 minutes per question:
- Is your vision of freedom more about getting something out of your life or about filling your life with the presence of God? Think about the actions you think you need to take to get free—what do they reveal about your current mindset on freedom?
- How would shifting the way you think about freedom change how you pursue it?
- What are some very practical ways you can orient your life around the presence of God? We know that God is omnipresent—that He is everywhere—but how can you structure your life and habits so that you live connected to the reality of His presence and nearness?
Prayer: Father, I recognize that it’s not enough to just empty my house. I want it to be filled with your presence. Show me what it looks like to live in union with you and for my life to flow from that place. Open up my heart to understand this mystery and to live with an awareness of your goodness, your love, and your Spirit’s leading in my life.
