As I sit down to (finally) write this, it is now dark and I can hear the echos of celebration as they travel through the evening air. Here in the United States, tomorrow is the 4th of July (or already is depending on when you're reading this) and is symbolic of independence and freedom; the formation as our own country with our own governance, laws, values, and freedoms. 

We also take time to honor all those who have fought and sacrificed for those freedoms and rights that we have as American citizens. It's not quite the 4th yet, but in these hours approaching, fireworks have already begun and celebration is already happening.  

With the 4th of July representing so many powerful things in the history of the United States, I couldn't help but be reminded of something so incredible special that is integral to our lives as believers. 

So often, we carry around with us the shame and guilt of our past. We carry around heavy burdens that have weighed our shoulders for many years. But, if you are found in Christ, there is freedom from the guilt, from the shame, and from the heavy burden. He fought for and purchased your individual freedom. He won the victory with the seal of His blood and the triumph of the resurrection.

This doesn't mean we are free to sin. Rather, it means we have freedom from our guilt and our bondage to have relationship with God who loves you so much more than you could even begin to imagine. Within that relationship, we have the freedom to come before Him, ask for things in His name, receive grace, boldly approach His throne, and be ministered to by Holy Spirit. Freedom from death; freedom to have eternal life with God. 

What Freedom! We went from death to life! That is also something worth celebrating! 

• So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36, ESV
• For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1, ESV
• For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Galatians 5:13-14, ESV
• in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him. Ephesians 3:12, ESV
• But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life. Romans 6:22, ESV
• Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. 1 Peter 2:16, ESV

Rest in knowing that ultimate freedom is found in Jesus. He is our hope and He is our freedom. We do not have to carry around heavy burdens or the weight of our past mistakes. We are made new and called into freedom through Christ. 

• Is there anything in your life right now that is keeping your from walking in the freedom God has purchased for you? 
• If you are a Christian, how has the freedom found in Christ impacted your life? 
• Do you ever find yourself believing that there are some things the God simply wouldn't forgive? If so, take a moment to surrender that up to God. His sacrifice is big enough to cover any wrong and His grace is big enough to meet you where you are. 
• Take a moment to write out a prayer of celebration and thanksgiving for the freedoms that you have. 
• Listen to No Longer Slaves by Jonathan David and Melissa Helser (You can listen to the whole Weekend Rest + Reflect playlist on Spotify here.)

Hello Lord,

I just want to take a moment to praise you. I lift my voice in celebration because I am redeemed and I have relationship with you. Thank you, God, for all that you done. Thank you for your sacrifice and for all the freedoms that I have because of that sacrifice. You are good, even when there are things in my life that are not. You are unmovable, even whenever everything around me is changing. Today, I rest in your promise and I rest in the eternal freedom that I have as a citizen of Heaven.

In the name of Jesus,

Amen.