The floor is hard, and the walls are too. Most days are dark and quiet, occasionally interrupted by a lone ray of sunshine or distant voice. Shackles circle the ankles and wrists, permitting a mere measure of freedom within a cramped prison cell. The occupant’s only company, amidst day after day of oppressive silence, consists of straying dust particles and scattered thoughts.
Few might live this reality literally, but bondage can also exist emotionally or spiritually. It could be a prison of pride or dungeon of doubt. Grief, gluttony, or jealously can ruthlessly capture and mercilessly detain a soul.
Anyone can get stuck. The trap may be different, but the escape is the same.
For the hopeless heart, remorseful soul, broken spirit, and weary drifter … light dawns. The Lord hears His people cry and sends help from on high.
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.” – Isaiah 9:2
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” – Luke 4:18-19
Jesus is the bright morning star, hope of the nations, light of the world. He liberates, leads, and loves.
“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” – John 8:12
“Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in His holy habitation. God settles the solitary in a home; He leads out the prisoners to prosperity, but the rebellious dwell in a parched land.” – Psalm 68:5-6
“How precious is Your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of Your wings. They feast on the abundance of Your house, and You give them drink from the river of Your delights. For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light do we see light.” – 36:7-9
In wisdom, power, and love, God rescued the lost and reconciled the sinner.
“He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” – Colossians 1:13-14
“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” – 2 Corinthians 3:17
“Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” – John 8:34-36
Satan frantically schemes against God’s saved … but his frenzy is futile because the victory is already secure, the war won, the future aligned. We serve the only God who breaks chains and empties prisons.
Abby
