Freedom On A Higher Level

FREEDOM ON A HIGHER LEVEL

“…casting all your care (anxiety, worry) upon Him, for He cares for you.” I Peter 5:7

The freedom that is ours as Americans is a precious treasure. The sacrifice of the brave men and women who have fought, and many have died, in defense of that freedom makes it all the more precious. But there is a freedom that transcends even this. It is the freedom that we have as the redeemed of God. Jesus declared "Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. (John 8:36)

But care, anxiety and worry can rob us of the joy and happiness in our life than any other single factor. The child of God has the only real escape from care that truly exists, that which is found in the Christ Jesus.

I. TWICE FREE, BUT YET IN BONDAGE

“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 NIV

First, individually free as citizens of the United States. Second, free from the “law of sin and death” as a result of being “born again”. (Romans 8:2). But still in bondage to fear, anxiety, worry, doubt and care. Always keep in mind the words of Christ in Matthew 6:25-34.

"Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not worry, saying, ’What shall we eat?’ or ’What shall we drink?’ or ’What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”

II. THE REALITY OF CARE (ANXIETY, WORRY)

I rather think that all Christians, at one time or another, have been troubled by care. If not confronted, it will rob us of (1.) real joy; (2.) real usefulness to God; and (3.) an eternal reward. You will note that I said “rob us of our eternal reward”…not our salvation. Salvation is the “gift” of God and not the product of our good works (Ephesians 2:8-9). The eternal reward(s) that we will receive will be given to us at the Judgment Seat of Christ for the work(s) we have done for the glory of God.

Anxiety and worry foster spiritual depression which will sap our spiritual strength and weaken our desire to attempt great things for God. When we are caught up in the cares of this world, it is difficult to keep our minds focused on things above and not on things on the earth (Colossians 3:2).

III. THE CURE FOR CARE IS TRUST

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 NIV

Trust enables us to cast all our care (anxiety) upon Him, knowing that He cares for us. Peter could speak from his own experience on this subject.

Charles A. Tindley wrote the great hymn: “Leave It There”. This song focuses on putting our trust in the Lord. We will profit if we give heed to its message.

“If the world from you withhold of its silver and its gold,

And you have to get along with meager fare

Just remember in His Word, how He feeds the little bird---

Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.

“If your body suffers pain and your health you can’t regain,

And your soul is almost sinking in despair,

Jesus knows the pain you feel, He can save and He can heal---

Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.