For most of us, freedom is often limited to being free from physical restraints, such as shackles, a prison cell, cords, chains, handcuffs, or another human being. This understanding can be labeled a visible form of freedom. However, there is a freedom we cannot physically see that is by far more reaching than any other type of freedom: mental freedom.
The Bible says, “Whom the Son sets free is free indeed”. Amazingly, the Bible is not speaking about physical freedom here; it speaks to freedom from habits, ideologies, and thoughts (strongholds) that have enslaved us physically and mentally, restricting us in certain areas of our lives.
A mental stronghold is a deeply entrenched, recurring pattern of negative thinking, irrational beliefs, or toxic attitudes that acts like a prison, holding a person captive to fear, insecurity, or self-sabotage. These ingrained mindsets, often formed by past trauma or lies, distort reality, hindering personal, spiritual, and emotional growth.
Nevertheless, the Gospel of Jesus Christ (which is the true power of God) has the primary purpose of repairing, renewing, and restoring our minds, particularly the strongholds that limit our natural growth. Therefore, we can conclude that true freedom is A STATE OF MIND! A state of mind speaks to the condition of one’s mind. Now, that condition is dependent on the word of God or the lack thereof. If God’s word is lacking in your life, then the evidence of that would be depression, confusion, etc. Scripture further explains that wherever the spirit of God is, there is liberty. Another word for liberty is also freedom. So, God, who is his word, has provided us with freedom in our minds through meditating on his word. Scripture elaborates further, saying that God is not the author of confusion. So clearly, he’s not the one causing your confusion, but in fact the antidote for your confusion.
In fact, I would like us to focus on a scriptures that not only emphasize meditating on the word of God but also its prescription and the benefits of doing so. The book of Joshua, chapter 1, provides insight into the change of leadership concerning the children of Israel. Moses, their former leader, is dead,d and now Joshua has become their new leader. Listen to the instructions that were given to the new leader, Joshua.
"Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper wherever you go.
This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success."
As you would have read, Joshua's prescription for carrying out his instructions was to meditate on the word of God day and night, then do them. In other words, put into action what he is meditating on, and only then will he be prosperous and have good success. So, I am sure we can agree that the word of God sets the tone mentally by establishing a Godly standard while simultaneously abandoning our former way of thinking and operating.
The Spirit of God, which is also the word of God and the source of our freedom, always tries to communicate this freedom to us through our senses and spirits. Our minds, being the directors of our bodies, play a key role in this process. You might wonder, what's the benefit of all this? It's so that each person can understand God's will for their life and free themselves from the limitations and strongholds that have held them back from a successful and prosperous life. On the other hand, this revelation shows that understanding God's will apart from renewing our minds isn't possible. This renewal happens only through the word of God (Romans 12:2).
Bottom line: We are the sum total of our most dominant thoughts, so in order to be free from whatever mentally binds us, it must begin in the mind by changing or altering our thoughts through the word of God. “As a man thinks in his heart/mind, so he becomes” (Proverbs 23:7).
That relationship that is going nowhere is difficult to let go of because of your commitment to the way you think; your life seems miserable only because of that. In other words, you refuse to think outside your mental prison. You have difficulty in saving your money, not because you don’t make enough money, but because of the way you think. Again, you are the sum total of your thoughts! These are all signs that you lack meditation and the application of God’s word, which will transform your mind and ultimately change your life.
It's often said that INSANITY is doing the same thing the same way over and over again, expecting a different outcome. By opening our hearts to change—through meditation and applying the word of God—we can naturally shift our perspective. This process can give us new ways to handle our struggles or break free from what has been holding us back for so long!
Heavenly Father, today we boldly enter your presence, first thanking you for the transforming power revealed in your word. Father, we stand on your word today, which says, "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path" (Psalm 119:105). Father, we need your word in this world of darkness to illuminate our path so we can walk in accordance with your will. Lord, help us renew our minds so we can know and understand your good and acceptable will for our lives. Help us be consistent in meditating on and intentionally applying your word so we can be sure of prosperity and good success. Father, we stand in agreement with your servant King David, who said, "Create in me a clean heart and renew the right spirit in me" (Psalm 51:10). Father, we are tired of going around in circles that have produced nothing but confusion and frustration. However, today we surrender all our failures, frustrations, disappointments, betrayals, and negative speaking in exchange for your peace that passes all understanding, accompanied by a mindset to do things your way in the name of Jesus Christ!
Written by: Kevin L. A. Ewing
ewinglakevin@icloud.com
www.kevinlaewing.com
kevinlaewing.blogspot.com
I'm inspired by the Holy Spirit to tell someone that even though God has set you free spiritually from your spiritual bondage that has produce sickness, poverty, confusion and the like, the Enemy has manipulated you into believing that because certain things have not change physically, it would suggest that freedom from these things haven't been achieved at all.
