For the LORD has heard my weeping. The LORD has heard my cry for mercy; the LORD accepts my prayer. Psalm 6:8b-9 NIV
I long for the day to be free from affliction – especially this ongoing affliction with the feet. Having just celebrated my nation’s Independence Day, freedom has been on my mind.
I sang in our church choir for our Americana concert which we do for the community, and it is well attended, well received, and always very moving. This year was no exception. In spite of the extreme heat, we had an evening of note.
Yes, we live in freedom here in the USA, and it is for this I am thankful. Because of the brave, I live in the land of the free. And I do not take it lightly.
But, there are other freedoms we can experience, especially if we are living in a place where freedom is limited, not given, or taken away.
This deeper freedom is from Christ –
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm then, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by the yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1 NIV
What yoke of slavery was Paul referring to? The Law. The Law was put into place in the Old Testament, but with the advent of Christ, He fulfilled the Law and set us free from its grip.
But what about affliction? How do we break free from this yoke? Or are we meant to? This is what I have been meditating on this past month. We all know folks who suffer, have relentless affliction and pain. Our hearts break for them because we really cannot do anything physical for them. We can pray, and we should. But, to remove pain and affliction, most times it is beyond our capabilities.
Jesus told a parable to His disciples about prayer, persistence and an unrighteous judge. This parable is found in Luke 18:1-8 and it is one which will get you to thinking. At least two things are evident up front: suffering is present, there are times when longsuffering (long suffering) is present too.
Then Jesus told His disciples a parable to show them they should always pray and not give up. Luke 18:1 NIV
Present in this verse is a word we are told by counselors to not use: always. Why? Because it is an extreme word. Well, Jesus used it, and it is perfect for this parable. How many times have you wanted to give up praying, or have actually stopped praying because it, “Did no good?”
For those of us in the suffering camp, it is quite easy to go here. We even bring tents, chairs, wood for a fire and marshmallows, chocolate and graham crackers. We pitch camp and stick around. We deem it our lot in life, and try to make do. It is hard, relentless and lonely.
Plus, the sheer pain of an affliction is very tiring. It can exhaust me more than the actual problem – the recovery, the needing-to-put-on-a-smile, the questions, etc.
I read Psalm 6 this morning and was comforted by David’s words. He was a man hunted, persecuted and under pressure. He cried out multiple times to God for relief from his enemies, for rescue and protection. His psalms are a beautiful example of pain and crying out to God for relief. Usually his psalm start with him in the ‘dumps’, but end on a victorious note giving God the glory and having a thankful heart for God’s goodness and grace.
Does God hear us? Yes, as we are told in Psalm 6:9 (and many other places in Scripture). Can suffering be long? Yes, as we see many examples in the Bible too. Can suffering also be a yoke of some sort causing us to lose what we knew before as freedom? Yes, in my opinion, I would say so.
It is here we get a deeper understanding of:
“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.” Matthew 11:29 NIV
The context of this verse is the burden the Pharisees put on the people – the Law, added laws and the seeking of man’s perfection and approval – that Jesus was addressing. His yoke is beautiful, but it is a yoke, nonetheless. He is on the other side, and He holds open the yoke for us to climb in. And at times, the yoke will lead us to suffering.
However, the good news is, we are not alone. He is there in the valley, in the desert, in the affliction, the waiting room, courtroom, prison cell. He is with us, strapped in.
If you notice, He understands the loss of ‘freedom’ because Jesus is too, strapped into a yoke just like us. He feels the pinching of the yoke. The uncomfortable weight, the tug, the pull, the straightness of a yoke.
And He bears it with us willingly.
Praise God!
PRAYER
Father, I do thank You for freedom. True freedom. Freedom paid for by Your Son Jesus on the Cross when He became sin, for me, for mankind. I also thank You for hearing my cries. For Your yoke. For prayer. I am thankful I am not alone in the affliction and the longing for freedom from it. You do understand. And You carry the burden, walk alongside and give me victory, daily, in my life of affliction. In the Name of Jesus and with a thankful heart I pray. AMEN
Are you looking for a mini Bible study? THESE are a somewhat recent addition to my blog. The link is to the current one, and it is a great reminder of our good God.
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