“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.“ ~Declaration of Independence
Familiar words to those of us who live in the United States of America.
Yet, we can look at these words in light of current events, whether at a national, state, local, or even personal level, and wonder if they are still true for us today.
For us who are believers, the great news is this:
We base our lives on words that are eternal…words that are “living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword…” (Hebrews 4:12)
No matter the circumstances, our hope is in the Lord.
1 Peter 1:3 says it this way, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead…”
2 Corinthians 3:17-18 says this: “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”
Today, no matter your circumstances in life, remember that if you have given your heart to the Lord, He has made you the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19).
The Spirit of the Lord is with you and there is freedom for you!
If you ask me, that’s worth shouting about!
But wait. There’s more.
You’ve got God living inside you. You’ve got freedom. And you reflect the Lord’s glory!
Not only that, but you are being changed to be more like Jesus and as that happens, there is ever-increasing glory in you and shining from you!
Wow! What a great promise!
But maybe you don’t feel like it. I don’t always. When I am tempted to think that these words aren’t true for me, God reminds me that these promises aren’t made manifest by my feelings, but they are founded on HIM…the One who is true and faithful and perfect and cannot lie.
So this week, remind yourself that your freedom wasn’t really purchased by the framers of the Declaration of Independence and the men who fought for its principles.
Your freedom was paid for by God with Jesus’ blood and it isn’t determined by the current state of affairs at any level.
Hope and glory.
Now that’s something to celebrate!
Rebecca
image via pinterest
