Freedom & Joy

Here is a question that wears on my heart from time to time. I wonder, why, as a Christian, is it so difficult to walk in the freedom and joy that were suppose to have. One observation I've made in the past 9 years is that, a lot of my Bible believing friends struggle with bouts of depression, more so, it seems than my other friends. It just seems that, that should not be the case. The Bible talks about this great joy and freedom and even I seem to struggle in walking in this daily. Sometimes I think, it is no wonder no one is all that interested in giving their life to Christ, because if it sucks all the joy out of life than why bother?. With that being said, I have been reading in Galatians and having an incredible time. I feel like this morning God has shown me a glimpse into the questions I struggle with and given me a picture to help me understand a little better.

Here is the scripture: Galatians 2:16 "yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified."
Galatians 3:28-29 "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ;s, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise."
Galatians 4:6 "And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying "Abba! Father!" So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God."


So hence, my questions and struggles. And then God shows me the picture of the other part of His promise to Israel, the land. For years and years people have battled to take their land from them and the battle still goes on today. (I am not up to speed necessarily in the geography of who reigns over the exact land that God promised Abraham, all I know is that the Muslims say it is theres and for centuries Israel has been the center of tug-a-war for many different people groups.) With that being said, no matter what it belongs to Israel because God said it was theres. Same with us, who have given ourselves to Christ. We are His, but there is a battle that goes on daily or better yet moment to moment to put us in bondage or suck the joy out of our walk with the Lord. So, with out a doubt, we will bounce from time to time in and out of joy and freedom as Israel has, but no matter what I am His and the truth is I have freedom and joy, even when it doesn't feel like it. PTL

Today I have a new understanding of Ephesians 6:11-20:
"Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all to stand firm. Stand therefor, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and as the shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the work of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To the end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak."

And so I will go and walk upright and boldly, with freedom and joy, knowing who I am. Heir and Ambassador for Christ!!!!
Thank you Jesus for this sweet freedom, there is nothing else like it.
Blessings and Happy Halloween,
Your Royal Hines, Connie