Am I Living in Bondage?

By Janet Boynes Published on February 9, 2019

Do you feel like every time you try to rise above your situation, some unknown resistance renders you unproductive or devalued? You smile, but your actions and reactions all stem from a source seemingly out of your control. You desire change, but default to the same ways. Some deep embedded issue surfaces and causes you to have severe mood swings or even become enraged.

If you relate to this in any way, you may have become your own prisoner. You accepted this as your normal lifestyle. It is called bondage and can affect everything in your life.

Inner Healing is a Process

When we think of “bondage,” we see pictures of battling addictions such as drugs or alcohol. Those chains are very apparent. What about someone that lives every day fighting the failures of their past? How about someone that can’t rise above the loss of a loved one or a past abusive situation? These issues are not always evident and are often overlooked, especially when they are easily camouflaged.

“Everything is permitted for me” — but not everything is helpful. “Everything is permitted for me” — but I will not be controlled by anything.
— 1 Corinthians 6:12

1 Corinthians 6:12 gives a great Biblical explanation of bondage. This scripture tells us that we certainly have a free will to do whatever we desire. As a Christian, however, some things may not be in our best interest. It is more important that even though all things are lawful for us, we are not to be controlled by anything. Someone that has been unsuccessful in breaking the addiction to nicotine will have an overwhelming urge for that “one last” cigarette. They seem helpless and controlled by the power of the product. Their efforts, no matter how admirable and strong, always result in relinquishing their rights back to the stick in the box.

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A woman delivered from years of abuse and mind control must learn to live beyond the fear and insecurity. It is not just removing her from the physical presence of abuse but starting a process of inner healing and affirming her worth. If she doesn’t receive adequate support and counseling, she may continue to live in the bondage of fear and depression. It will become a life lived under the control of the abuser without the actual abuse. This is bondage.

Recognizing the Problem

Do you find yourself withdrawing from the world around you? Do thoughts of your past hurts, fears or tragedies always rise to the surface and cause unwanted actions or reactions? Are you holding on to guilt and shame for something you have done? Just like the nicotine addiction, you have made promise after promise to yourself that you would refrain from this type of behavior, but it just doesn’t seem possible. You feel almost destined to be this way. You may have even thought that this is your new normal. You live in misery and sadness, hiding your true feelings and feeling like there’s no way out.

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed!
— John 8:36

John 8:36 tells us that Jesus sets us free. This is not just a cliché. This scripture gives us the truth of His provision of freedom.

Those things that keep someone in bondage have become so intertwined in their daily lives that they are almost unrecognizable as a problem. It becomes hard for people to see the imminent danger these vices possess. Many will deny that they even have a problem, because this has just been their normal way of life. They proceed with their everyday routine and the things that chain them continue to conquer their lives every day. They battle the same miseries and unhappiness, shaking it off to find ways to cope. The failure to live a surrendered life to Christ keeps them from the freedom provided by Jesus Himself.

A Surrendered Life

The depression, fears and emotional traumas of the past are chains that must be broken in order for you to pick up the pieces and thrive. Jesus truly offers the peace, comfort, love and stability needed to walk in true victory. The question is: Are you willing to take the diligent steps toward him and relinquish control totally and completely to Him?

He knows how to break unwanted chains and takes pleasure in your healing and complete freedom. Release it to God. Don’t hold on to it any longer. Don’t live your life weighed down. Seek the support and strength from your local Bible-based church and study God’s word. Stop denying the chains and just say, “Here Jesus. I’m done.” There is freedom, comfort and a brand-new way of life waiting for those that completely let go and let God.

 

This article was originally written for Janet Boynes Ministries and is republished with permission.

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