Releasing Marley’s Chains

RELEASING MARLEY’S CHAINS

By:  Julie Souza Bradley Lilly

“I don't really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don't do it. Instead, I do what I hate.” - Romans 7:15 NLT

It’s a relief to know that Paul felt the same inner turmoil that we do —when we want to do one thing, but exasperatingly do the opposite.  

When this happens, it is often easier to accept God’s forgiveness for those lost battles with the flesh than it is to forgive ourselves.

In our self loathing we shackle ourselves to our sins.  Then, like Marley’s weighty chains, we drag them around as our burdensome punishment.  We buy into a lie of the enemy that the Blood of Jesus is not enough.  The enemy wants to see our shoulders weighed down, and our legs shackled by the memory of debt that has already been paid — to become as pardoned prisoners who refuse to leave their cell, even though their debt has been paid and the cell door is wide open.

But that isn’t what God has in mind.  He takes no joy in our self flagellation.  He wants our shame to lead us to repentance and forgiveness.  He longs for us to embrace the freedom for which He paid dearly, not for us to live out our life in chains.

Is this you? Are you struggling to forgive yourself?

The Word says, “The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” - II Chronicles 16:9 NLT

He is searching for committed hearts, not perfection.  He does not come to punish, but to strengthen.  You have already been forgiven, Beloved.  Isn’t it time to also forgive yourself?

Father, thank You for Your lavish grace and forgiveness —for casting our sin into the sea of forgetfulness (Micah 7:19).  Now help us accept the complete work of the cross, extend grace to ourselves, and walk out of our prison doors.  Strengthen us to walk in the freedom You paid for 2000 years ago.  In Jesus’ Name ❤️

https://www.facebook.com/Prayers-of-a-Ragamuffin-Warrior-171515087035441/

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