Freedom: What it is and how to find it
We all seek after freedom. But have you considered what true freedom is—or what may be keeping you from it, and how to experience it?
Throughout your life, there are key questions you must ask yourself as a first step toward the freedom God desires for you:
- Do I get angry, have anxiety, or struggle with addiction, unhealthy habits or mindsets?
- Do I still carry shame from something I did—or from something I was accused of doing?
- Have negative words been spoken over me that I now believe define who I am? Do I speak negative words over others?
- Do I carry unforgiveness in my heart toward a father, mother, sibling, family member, or friend?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you are not fully free—and you may be missing the freedom God has for you.
Other Symptoms That You Are Stuck
Just as a high temperature reveals sickness in the body, there are symptoms that reveal when we are stuck. You may hide from conflict out of fear, run from opportunity because you feel unworthy, get drunk, use drugs, or escape into pornography. Often, these behaviors are only bandages—temporary fixes that ignore deeper wounds beneath the surface.
Why Do I Keep Doing This?
In Romans 7:15, Paul writes, “For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.” Paul was honest about his struggles—and we must be honest about ours if we want to walk in freedom.
Finding the Root
Our behaviors, decision-making patterns, blind spots, and character flaws are often formed early in life. As children, we learn how to respond to situations by watching those around us—parents, family members, or even celebrities acting out in public. Unfortunately, many of those who influenced us were broken themselves.
But our past does not have to define us—God does.
When we know God, we know the source of life and true freedom. Through His Spirit, we are freed for holiness, freed for true life, freed to be sons and daughters in the happiest family, freed to enjoy our inheritance, and freed to enjoy Jesus now and forever.
Jesus says:
- John 8:36 — “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
God’s words are not maybe or might. They are definitive. What He says will come to pass. - John 10:10 — “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
Not barely surviving—but truly living. A life filled with hope, joy, and purpose. - 2 Timothy 2:22 — “So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.”
- John 8:32 — “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
These are only a few of the more than 75 Scriptures that speak about freedom. God wants you free from your past—because you are not defined by it.
Next Steps
- Examine yourself: Identify one area of your life that you know is unhealthy—something God is calling you to surrender and walk away from. God calls you to be a mighty man of valor, the spiritual leader of your home, and a man transformed by His grace and power.
Do not let old habits, addictions, or mindsets keep you from what God desires for you. Surrender them to Him and ask for His help. - The Finding Freedom Crew at Awakening Church exists to help you understand your past so God can use you powerfully in the present and future. Often, we come to God asking Him to free us from one thing—only to discover He wants to free us in many areas. Join a Crew this next season.
- Finally, accept accountability. Freedom grows in the light. Be honest about your struggles, open up to a brother in Christ, and invite someone to walk with you, check in on you, and help you stay the course.