My Chains Are Gone
Are you in chains? Frustrated? Talk to us.
Chris Tomlin has a wonderful song called “Amazing Grace.” I listen to it on repeat often, so much so that I think that I’m finally getting the point.
“My chains are gone. I’ve been set free.
My God, my Savior, has ransomed me.
And like a flood, his mercy reigns.
Unending love. Amazing grace.”
I sing this to myself all throughout my daily routine, which is anything but routine. I realized that in order to feel free from my chains, I must first identify just what it was that was keeping me imprisoned. What is holding me back? What have I allowed to be a chain in my life for so long now that I barely even recognize it?
It’s odd, actually, because I think we get so used to the way we have always been, that we cling to the things that are holding us back from experiencing all that God truly wants to give us.
“You know how I am, I just have a bad temper,” or “I’m just depressed” or “I lack self confidence” or “I’m too shy.” All of these things can be true about us, but using them as an excuse to keep from trying something new means that we are embracing the very chains that keep us entrapped.
The beauty of it is that once I identify my chains, I am free to leave them at the altar. Perhaps it is me who needs to let go of them, instead of being the other way around.
It is not easy to admit my weaknesses. But I have learned through the years that if I honestly lay these things out on the table for everyone to see, then Satan has one less weapon to use on me. He cannot handle the truth, nor can he make me feel guilty for something I left at the altar long ago.
Prisoners who have been freed do not have to be reminded to walk away. They embrace their freedom, leaving the past behind them, and run to the new life that waits for them.
Because of the blood of Jesus, we are free. So, we would be wise to do the same. It is the least we can do for Him as well as ourselves.
“He brought them out of darkness and the deepest gloom and broke away their chains” (Psalm 107:14).
Dear God, free us from ourselves. We do not know how to be different than the way we have always been. Show us how to let go on a daily basis, becoming less like ourselves and more like you with each step we take. It must break your heart to see us living in the prisons of our past, long after you have set us free. Show us how to let go of the chains that have become so much a part of us that we no longer recognize them for what they are. In Jesus Name, Amen
Questions: Do you feel you are in chains? Have you identified what they are?
About the author Janet Morris Grimes
Tags: amazing grace, bad temper, beauty, chains, Chris Tomlin, confidence, Janet Morris Grimes, Prisoners, routine, shy, truth, weaknesses, weapon
10 Responses to “My Chains Are Gone”
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Thanks Janet for another inspiring devotional. That song always brings me to tears.
Thank you for reading. I will continue to pray for you as well. God wants us to embrace our freedom and never look back; just like the woman at the well. Jesus said, “Go, and sin no more!”
Dear heavenly Father.. I pray that You will bless my sister as she continue to look to You for her support in her dau=ily walk with You. keep her close to You 24/7. In Jesus Mighty Name /amen.
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!!!
Janet, what a beautiful devotional! I loved your description and the following comments. It is awesome to taste the joy of our salvation! His Word promises that we are empowered to be overcomers by His Son’s shed Blood and our testimony. Studying His Word, seeking His face, obeying His Voice frees the heart, mind and soul of our past. We learn the power of His still Amazing Grace that we are new creations, the old is gone behold the new.
Amazing grace how sweet the sound – for by the love of God I’m no longer bound! Twas His grace that called out to me, a prisoner of my past, the chain of sin held its grip on me, but o He came, left His Father’s side, went to that cross, was beaten, bruised, bled and died and got up! He got up that I through Him may have a new life – it’s amazing still amazing grace!
Blessings everybody – thanks again Janet!
Dear Sister Janet,
Thanq for writing this wonderful devotional. t is just the thing Ineed. But, oh I’ve been a prisoner of thee chains fo years and years. Please pray for me.May God forgive ,me and have mercy on me.God bless u.
love, sarah
Prisoners who have been freed do not have to be reminded to walk away. They embrace their freedom, leaving the past behind them, and run to the new life that waits for them.
I am not convinced that this is a true statement — many prisoners walk away from prison only to walk right back into the same issues that got them into the prison system. It is only with great discipline and the willingness to give up all that you were to become a new person in Christ can the chains truly be broken and freedom will then reign in your life. Many of us have to be ever vigilent and take control of each thought and chose to dwell on what is good and kind and wonderful in order to be overcomers. It is not very often that you can just turn and walk away — you have to be able to keep your eyes fixed upon the goal — righteousness in and through Christ. God will not overtake your life — He waits for you to invite him in and change only happens when we willingly become obedient to His word and His voice.
As I get older, I feel free from the chains… I’ve allowed Christ and asked Him to take over and free me of the chains that were so binding. The more I let go, the more freedom of the chains! As I continue to let go and let God, I know that it’s God’s plan every day and not my own. This gives me peace… And it frees me from the chains! I change daily, so I ask to be freed daily. God never changes, so His Word as the Truth sets us free. Praise Him, and Him be the glory! Blessings and thank you so much. I like remembering the traditional hymns and putting them into perspective. Amazing Grace. Absolutely.
There was a time, I was so shackled with chains of the things that had happened to me as a child and teen. For so many years, as hard as I tried…I seemed to drag them into every part of my life.
One day, I met someone who became a dear friend. She began praying for me and did for several years…she prayed for me and with me. We studied the Word as well. One day….finally one day, I found I was walking free of those chains. My wise friend told me that in her mind, as she had prayed over the years, she saw the chains drop to my feet. The issue became when I could take that step over those chains and move forward…one step at a time.
There were days that I stopped…there were days I took a step back, but praise God, I’ve never stepped back into the chains or picked them up again.
Praying for you ladies….
Thanjk you ! Very well stated…Powerful truth to be read and reread and taken into our hearts and minds to continue to walk out of the darknessand into the light . May God continue to strengthen and bless you. Ruthann