This is the second installment in the Price of Freedom mini-series. The focus of this mini-series is to highlight knowing freedom in Christ. This study is beneficial to everyone, including those involved in human trafficking (victims and perpetrators). Those in bondage in that trade are held captive by the sin, either by action or memories. Knowing freedom in Christ is essential to establishing peace in life. Not just for those in outward captivity, but for those who also struggle inwardly. Some may be held bondage by sin or a certain mindset that isn't necessarily seen. Breaking spiritual chains can only be done through the healing power of Christ.
The focus of this post will be on Psalm 119:41-48. Reading through Psalm 119 one may notice that it's broken up into several parts and each section starts with a different word. These words make up the Hebrew alphabet and each section addresses a different area of prayer and struggle. Psalm 119 falls under Book five of the Psalms. This book encompasses Psalms 107-150.
Devotional Reading of Psalm 119
WAW
"May your unfailing love come to me, LORD, your salvation, according to your promise; then I can answer anyone who taunts me, for I trust in your word. Never take your word of truth from my mouth, for I have put my hope in your laws. I will always obey your law, forever and ever. I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts. I will speak of your statutes before kings and will not be put to shame, for I delight in your commands because I love them. I reach out for your commands, which I love, that I may meditate on your decrees." Psalm 119:41-48 NIV.
Dissecting the Text: Breaking Spiritual Chains
Verses 41-48 display holy fear. There are countless books out there on Christian bookstore shelves professing to be Christ-centered, yet tell readers there is no such thing as holy fear. Holy fear brings conviction and is the only way one can see the depth of loss and sin for what it really is--a pig stye of a mess. These verses also demonstrate the reverence one is to have for order and the hunger for instruction.
The psalmist pours over thankfulness to God, not wanting God to remove His presence. This is classic writing of the Old Testament relating to presence. Christ hadn't come to Earth incarnate yet, and even though the Holy Spirit was already existent since they are outside of time, God chose to withdraw His presence from lives. He still does this today, even with believers. However, it is a different approach. When one is truly converted, they are converted forever. They cannot be snatched away. One can, however, backslide in faith and God WILL refuse to use them to the potential He wants and will raise someone else up to do the work. God doesn't need us to do His work, but He chooses to work and move through people. It is only through God that there is even a concept of knowing freedom.
For commentary on today's text, please venture over to Bible Hub.
See more of this study here at The Myths Complex and The Danger of Counterfeits.
The Campaign: Lending a Helping Hand
Part of portraying freedom is by lending a helping hand and serving others. Blissful Faith started as a lifestyle and branched into a blog to help others hear about Jesus Christ and how they too can develop a blissful faith through knowing God. This blog's purpose is to be an evangelical outreach to further the kingdom of Christ. Furthering the kingdom means stretching outside of the comfort zone, comprehending and working towards meeting the needs of others. Putting faith to action keeps it from becoming stagnant.
The Blissful Faith Merchandise store helps both this blog to grow and to meet the needs of others. About 8-10% of the proceeds will go to The Exodus Road and Agape International Missions to help combat human trafficking. The funds will help assist in rescue operations, providing shelter, and recovery programs to those in bondage.
For a more in-depth view of human trafficking, see my previous post The Price of Freedom. Below are videos about The Exodus Road and Agape International Missions as they highlight the necessity of knowing freedom.
The Exodus Road Site: https://theexodusroad.com
Donation link: https://pages.theexodusroad.com/donat
Agape International Missions website: https://agapewebsite.org
Donation link: https://agapewebsite.org/give-monthly/
These articles showcase the truths of the Christian lifestyle.
Finding Biblical Purpose
The God of Perfect Holiness
Pursuing Holiness
Martyred for Christ
Taking Thoughts Captive
Delivered, and more at the blog feed.
As always, have a blessed week and stay tuned for more.