The Privileged Life: Freedom to Celebrate

“Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God….The Lord gives freedom to the prisoners.” (Psalm 146:5,7)

Light the fireworks and stand back—it’s going to be a crackling hot Fourth of July.

This week, those of us who live in the United States of America celebrate our independence, proclaimed nearly 250 years ago in a document covered with bold signatures. That declaration marked the radical launch of a new kind of nation—built on the freedom to pursue life, liberty, and happiness.

We’ve come a long way since then. But, oh my, what would the founding fathers say about the state of our States these days?? 

If you watch news outlets, they’re all pretty grim. Attitudes about this year’s presidential election are all over the map—rabid, apathetic, apologetic, panicked. Folks are pessimistic about the economy, immigration, crime, and international threats. Social media blow up with “hand-grenade” comments lobbed at opposite sides of the political aisles.

I can just see George Washington and Abraham Lincoln shaking their heads, lighting sparklers, and muttering a flat “woohoo.” 

At the same time, I can also imagine them saying, “Nothing has changed.”

In my college days back in the Dark Ages, I was a history major with a political science minor. I can tell you that, based on what I’ve seen, things haven’t changed a lot…no matter what side you’re on or how the media splatter-paint the news.

Political cartoons? They could be just as cruel in 1800 as they are now. Greedy corporations? Go look at how robber barons of the Gilded Age ran their empires. Modern CEOs aren’t any more corrupt than some of those dudes were. 

Troubled about the environment? Sure, we have concerns. But things were bad in the most modern moments of the last century when factories dumped toxic waste everywhere. I can tell you that our Tennessee waterways are a lot cleaner today than they were only 50 years ago.

King Solomon, one of the savviest people who ever lived, figured everything out about 900 years before Jesus was born. Solomon is accredited with saying, “There is nothing new under the sun,” as he lamented the uselessness and vanity of everything mankind tries to do (Ecclesiastes 1:9). Solomon was certainly in a negative mood when he wrote those words of wisdom.

But Solomon was right. People haven’t changed since biblical days. It’s no news that we’re all still sinners, bent on chasing material wealth, self-indulgence, and power. The world is still enchained by wickedness.

The good news, though, is found in Jesus Christ. Lives truly begin to change when He takes command of our hearts and begins to transform our sinful souls through His Holy Spirit. Suddenly, we have true freedom. We are no longer in slavery and bondage to the strongholds of iniquity. Jesus gives us the power and liberty to be new creatures. And in our service to Him today, we have abundant freedom, a joyful gift to celebrate every day.

Wherever you live, there is much to despair, fear, or grieve. I know that some of you reading this blog don’t have the choice to worship Christ in public…where even a whispered prayer has dire consequences. Or you don’t have the ability to change your circumstances, such as health problems, family strife, or job stress.

How can you celebrate true freedom then? Lean on the Holy Spirit and ask for His peace—the tangible evidence of the freedom you have in Christ. Rejoice in the salvation given to you by Jesus—nothing can take it away. Trust in the sovereign plans of God your Father—giving you hope for the future only He can see.

Jesus offers you opportunity to celebrate His goodness every day in your heart, whether it’s a hot July 4 or a chilly day in January. Let’s light up our sparklers to remind ourselves that He is the Light of the world, our Soul-Changer, and our only true Liberty. Woohoo!!!

Lord Jesus, our true Savior, we celebrate Your power and victory over our enemies—the spiritual forces of evil who would ensnare our hearts in the strongholds of sin. Bind our wandering hearts to You, and call us to celebrate the freedom You have given us to praise and serve You. Let us rejoice every day as we trust in You alone. In Your name, Amen.

Nancy C. Williams is a Christian wife/mom with a writing career spanning more than 40 years in business and journalism. Williams is the author of the novel To Love a Falcon and the devotional book A Crocus in the Desert: Devotions, Stories, and Prayers for Women Experiencing Infertility. Her weekly blogs are featured on Crossmap.com. To follow Nancy’s posts and news, go to her home page at http://lightbournecreative.com and subscribe at the bottom. 

© Copyright 2024 Nancy C. Williams, Lightbourne Creative (text and photography) Unless otherwise noted, Scripture verses are taken from the New King James Version®, Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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