May Mental Health Tip of the Month
"So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
-John 8:36 NIV-
Freedom Fighters
For most people, Memorial Day is about having a long weekend off from work, spending time with family, and barbecues. The core purpose of Memorial Day, however, is to honor our fallen soldiers who died fighting for our freedoms…freedom of speech, freedom of religion, for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We honor them by placing wreaths, flags, and flowers at gravesites, having parades and holding ceremonies in their honor. But how do we honor their sacrifice the rest of the year and make that sacrifice count for something?
True Freedom
We honor them by walking in the freedom that they died for us to have…that Jesus died for us to have. Most of us don’t even know what that freedom looks like or how to obtain it. That freedom looks like having freedom and peace in our souls (our mind, will, and emotions), having hope and joy, no longer living with guilt, shame, fear, or condemnation. Freedom is breaking free from the negative things of this life and focusing on the positive, focusing on the things that bring us joy and peace instead of those that don’t. It is letting go of the things of the past that keep us from enjoying our life. Freedom is no longer being bound by mental health symptoms, addictions, or physical ailments. Freedom is walking in health, mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually, and walking in love, love for self and love for others. In John 10:10 NIV, Jesus says, “The thief comes only to steal and to kill and to destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
Obtaining Freedom
There are steps we have to take in order for us to walk in health and freedom. If we’re looking for freedom mentally and emotionally, starting therapy or speaking with a Pastor can get us started on that path. Reading books on the specific issues we’re struggling with and those that can teach us how to break free from these issues, such as the Bondage Breaker by Neil Anderson and Arise and Stand by Andrea Williams, can be very helpful and point us in the right direction. Practicing gratitude, serving others, and learning contentment are all very helpful to get our focus off of ourselves and circumstances and get us out of our own heads. When looking for freedom physically, we have to eat right, exercise, get adequate sleep, reduce stress, and practice self-care. Taking better care of ourselves mentally, emotionally, and physically can naturally help us to improve our health, increase our energy, and reduce a lot of our pain and inflammation.
For spiritual freedom, there are a lot of different things that we can work on to obtain that freedom. Forgiveness can be a huge catalyst in gaining our freedom including forgiving ourselves. Letting go of past hurts and releasing them to Jesus is part of that process. Forgiveness doesn’t mean that we forget or that we agree with what has been done to us. It simply means that we release those emotions tied to that event or person and allow Jesus to be our vindicator and healer. We let go of the pain, bitterness, resentment and anger, and allow that healing to take place. We have to fully surrender ourselves to God and align ourselves with Him and His ways to walk in freedom in every area of our lives. Asking for His forgiveness, praying for our freedom, and being open and vulnerable with God can break us free from a lot of the things that are keeping us in bondage. There are also deliverance ministries that can help you with this process. AWI Freedom is one of those ministries (CLICK HERE). If you choose to go through the deliverance process, pray for discernment when choosing the right ministry.
Conclusion
Freedom is a powerful force and will alleviate a lot of the things that ail us. It will allow us to walk in the peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7 NIV) and enjoy the lives that we have been given. Walking in true freedom not only improves our overall well-being, but is one small way that we can honor those that have given their very lives for us to have that life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Take steps today and embrace your freedom! Who the Son sets free is free indeed (John 8:36 NIV)!