Longing for that freedom in Christ
It started with a simple question. “How do you see God?”
Then gradually a group of teenagers started to express with a deep sense of reference their frustration. Some expressed a sense of vast distance between them and God, while others felt a heavy weight regarding the expectations they felt were in place. Still others expressed doubt, that they even had anything that could be called a “personal relationship” with their creator, or Christ as they said. And in all of it a deep sense of feeling lost in a reality that seems so different to the ideal they believe in and try to convince others of.
I can relate.
Many times, sometimes still today, I would find myself faced with a reality of faith that seemed not to be the Gospel and good news that I was at the same time trying to share with others. This all together would make me feel much like a hypocrite and I assume, made me not a very convincing witness. In those times, spiritual disciplines such as praying, reading the Bible or even worshiping started to feel heavy – and tainted with a sense of duty, rather than joyous seeking.
This all would give me an awful sense of feeling like I was not measuring up; that somehow, I just needed to do more to get closer to God. During my teen years and early twenties, these crisis’ usually spiralled me into exhaustion, until I found myself just wanting to give up. Then I would calm down, get back up and start with a new sense of enthusiasm back into the same patterns – working my way into measuring up, working my way closer to God – always feeling that despite a conviction that my faith in God and Christ must be the true way and certainly full of beautiful aspects, there had to be more to life than this heavy religion.
God has done an amazing work in the last years. I still have ups and downs and occasionally will wind up trying to work myself into trying to prove myself to God; however, God has been leading me into a beautiful sense of freedom and peace.
Sometimes all I need these days is to take a deep breath…
and I am keenly aware again of the lightness which is grounded on my trust in God unlimited ability and love. Yet, while I tried to encourage this group of teenagers with this testimony, I began to wonder how I had gotten here. What had changed? And how could I avoid giving them just another well-intended recipe that would tempt them to work it out themselves?
As I meditated on this during my week, God’s spirit reminded me of scripture; bringing in the right messages; and opening my eyes to truth that I had not yet understood.
And so, I would like to share God’s word and reflect on a message about the freedom we have in Christ.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” – Matthew 11:28-30
This is the verse that sprung first to my mind when listening to these teens last Sunday. Weariness and a feeling of being burdened is exactly what I can relate to and seems to be what the teenagers are experiencing. So, what can we gather from this verse?
Let me begin with Jesus first words, which resound as an invitation “Come to me”. A commentary pointed out: “Many times Jesus said, “Come after (follow) me,” but only here does he say, ‘Come to me.’” A similar call precedes Peter walking on water (Matthew 14:29). We see him stepping out of a boat and walking towards the one who called him. As the story goes, you might remember this “walking on water” went great until his focus shifted to the waves.[1] The same Peter, after having expressed his utmost loyalty to Christ, becomes painfully aware of his limitations regarding his love for Christ a few chapters later. Yet, faced with his limitations Jesus calls him to join into a great purpose – not a heavy load – but a glorious and grand commission. In the same way Jesus encourages us in this verse in Matthew to come to him with our limitations and simply answer his call.
We get messed up when we try to work things for God instead of working with God.
And the motivation might as well be love towards God when we try to do something grand for him; If I am honest, many times my hidden motive for doing a righteous work for God was and is a desire to be worthy of his love; To be good enough. But He is not asking for us to work for him but with him.
It’s a shift of focus.
We look to Jesus Christ and not our own strength; to his teaching and not our own figuring it all out. My biggest challenge DAILY is to look to Christ and simply walk with him rather than working my way to him. And in essence that is what all reflection of this week has pointed to – look to Him.
Does that mean we don’t have to read our bibles anymore, pray or practice any kind of discipline[2]?
No. Spiritual disciplines are keys that help us unlock a deeper understanding and fuller life in faith – when practiced out of a sense of purpose rather than wanting to proof ourselves. There is a life where discipline and freedom do not contradict. A life where disciplines can turn into desires, and the walk is an adventure and not a chain of endless frustrations.
My best friend once said:
“Wherever your focus is there is your centre of gravity and all the weight will be pulled towards it.”
So, when I focus on myself, and make my relationship with God depended upon my works, all the pressure will be on me. But when I focus on Christ and his works the centre of gravity shifts and I step into a lightness, finding myself practicing spiritual disciplines with a sense of joy.
I used to think there had to be more to life than a constant struggle and God feeling distant. More than feeling like I had to be something else, something better before being able to live the life God called me to live; A deeper and more real relationship with Jesus. What if the answer is simple? As simple, as going to Jesus, as we are, not with a desire to proof ourselves, but rather with a willing heart and an awareness of our own limits, trusting in his leading. So, when we are burnt out on religion, we find a gentle Lord and Friend.
As it all comes together beautifully Jesus calls us to “come”, to “lay down” all that is heaviness, to “follow” him, to “find” life and purpose and freedom, and to “soar on wings like eagles”.
I pray that this message may encourage you. Encourage you to take a deep breath and lay down your burdens. To find rest for your soul in the freedom that we have because of all that Christ did and all that he is. Encouraged to learn from him as you dive into scripture and walk with him daily. To simply come and meet him. Encouraged that there is an abundant life God has desired for us, and a destination that goes beyond all we see here on earth. Encourage to rest in his grace and his mercy, knowing that he is fully able; Knowing that HE will finish what he has begun in you. Encouraged that his gospel will become the beat of your life and a testimony to the world. Look to him, bring a willing heart, and do not let fear and doubt rob you of a beautiful sense of peace in Christs love for you.
If you would like to comment on something that stood out to you in your studies or if you would like to share your testimony within these truths – you are welcomed to reply by leaving me a message.
Truths to meditate on…
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” – Galatians 5:1
“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” – 2.Corinthians 3:17
“but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:31
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” – Galatians 5:13
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. […] As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” – John 15:5; 9-12
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” – Ephesians 2:10
[1] See also “A little faith”
[2] Discipline: choosing what we want most, over what we want now.
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