Saturday 31 December 2016

New Year Freedom Cry

As 2016 draws to a close and I reflect on the disappointments, grief, worries, joys, precious moments of 2016; my mind starts to shift to looking forward.

In 2016 I lost a dear friend who consistently encouraged me to live in freedom, in grace, to enjoy God and to enjoy being loved by God!  Every time we met we seemed to compare our journeys from the default of law into the fullness of God's grace. We often compared struggles, disappointments, joys and sorrows. He would often talk of that moment in that famous film when Mel Gibson complete with war paint would cry 'FREEDOM' - this is my cry as I enter 2017. In the past I have made new year's resolutions only to feel that I then began the year with a weight on my shoulders and anticipation of messing up! My verse for the start of 2017 has been on repeat in my head over this last week - it is Galatians 5:1 and it says this:-

“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.”
‭‭
I don't want to put myself under a yoke of expectations, goals, desires etc as I enter 2017. Of course there are things I would love to see happen but you know this year my resolution is simply three words 'Freedom in Christ' - He did it all that I may be free, that I may have life and have it to the full. All my concerns, desires, disappointments, delights, struggles, griefs, joys, sorrows and tears I simply lay at His feet at the outset of the year. For freedom Christ has set me free!