Maneuvers - No. 14
Freedom in
His Presence
Time equals freedom, says our culture. More time for yourself, more flexibility, more control over your schedule. That’s real freedom.
God says time equals freedom, too, but not the way the world thinks. Instead of framing it as the opportunity to spend more time on self or on the things the world values, God offers increasing freedom as you spend more time with him.
We’re not talking about a self-imposed mandate to spend every spare minute at church (although we love church). And we’re not talking about a self-righteousness that comes from never skipping your daily devotions.
Far from it.
When we simply receive Jesus’ invitation to be with him, to relax with him, rejoice with him, mourn with him, work with him… that time in his presence makes us freer than any self-liberation could.
True freedom isn’t simply having more control over our schedule. It’s absolute freedom to love Jesus the way we were made to, the privilege to love like he does and see the world through his eyes and experience the immense joy and peace he has for us.
That’s freedom, friend. If you feel skeptical, that’s normal. If you feel a little afraid, that’s normal, too. Giving up that sense of control over your schedule to receive unending intimacy with Holy Spirit can seem intimidating… until you taste the liberation it brings.
Will you at least try it today, friend? Will you take our hand as we listen to today’s FLAG message with humble, open hearts?
01.
The Message
“You can be skeptical of the power of my presence if you want. You can hold back, deciding not to be free—free of worry, free of anxiety, free of idols, free of performing, free of insecurity, free of doubt. Because these freedoms come as the result of being with me.
“Being with me is the first step toward experiencing all of these freedoms. So what do you say? Do these freedoms—at least the idea of them—appeal to you? Do you want to be free?
“Listen: you don’t have to worry right now about something you have to give me in order to attain these freedoms. Because I am the definition of freedom. And really, I just like being here with you. Really, I just like being in your presence.
“I don’t like being away from you. I never have. It saddens me when we are not together. And it saddens me when you are suffering, when you are struggling, when you are in pain and hurting and sad.
“I gave everything to be here with you. At Lazarus’s tomb, I wept when I thought about the suffering of this earth, the despair of sin. I hate death—and I love you—so I turned death upside down. For you, for the world, for freedom, for hope. I want to be with you. Not just now, but forever. And it breaks my heart, again and again, when those I love do not see that I bring new life—and new life is freedom. And freedom begins with this simple choice: being with me.
“Watch what happens when you give me a little more of your time. Watch what happens when you turn your mind and your heart toward me. Watch what happens when you meditate on my promises. Watch what happens when you imagine me with you as you work, as you eat, as you speak, as you rest, as you play.
“My presence transforms you. My presence transforms how you see, how you speak, how you take in information, how you respond to situations, how you choose to love through the day. My presence is your comfort, your security, your courage, your wisdom, your guide, your friend. My presence is your most trusted companion.
“I am with you in all things, in all moments. So turn now. Turn. The one thing I ask—the one thing you can give me now that will be a back and forth act of love between us both: your time. Let me love you. When you let me be with you, you are loving me back.”
02.
Listen
Is it hard to imagine Jesus with you in the little moments throughout the day? When you’re washing dishes, commuting to school, on a sales call, cooking lunch for your elderly father? Let’s pause and read the last paragraph of today’s message again. What do you want to say to Holy Spirit in response to these words?
03.
Think
“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom” (2 Corinthians 3:17, NASB).
1. In which areas of your life do you not feel free? Where do you feel trapped, drained, or stuck in a cycle?
2. How can you invite Jesus into those specific areas? Don’t rush this answer. Wait in God’s presence as you ponder this question and invite Holy Spirit to share his insight.
04.
Trust
Do you have a journal, friend? Perfect. Let’s pull it out for today’s exercise.
We’re going to brew a cup of hot tea and find a quiet spot where we can write without interruption (or at least, as little interruption as possible). We invite you to join us.
Now that we’ve found our spot, let’s open our journals and pull out our pens. First, let’s take a deep breath. Feel your body relax, sinking deeper yet feeling lighter. Take another deep breath. And another.
For our first writing exercise, we encourage you to finish this sentence: “I’ll finally feel free when…” What images come to your mind? What struggles do you see breaking off? What circumstances do you see changing? What internal patterns do you see shifting? Let’s write it all down.
Let’s finish another sentence: “I felt so free when…” Before you write anything, pause and think about the times in your life when you felt light, happy, and carefree. The moments when you felt nothing could stop you. Picture that memory in your mind. Savor it. Then write it down with as much detail as you can.
Now take a look at your two answers. Do you see any connections between them? Any recurring themes? How do these connections reveal how Jesus wants to bring his freedom into your life?
Notice we said bring his freedom. Not simply give it to you or release it into your life. No, he brings it with him.
Let’s return to 2 Corinthians 3:17: “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”
Time for our last writing exercise. When you read that verse, what images came to your mind? Think about that question as you finish this sentence: “When I’m with Holy Spirit, I feel…” Take your time as you write this.
And now, let’s pray…
05.
Pray
Holy Spirit, I love to be with you, and I’m so honored that you love to be with me. Right now, I lay aside every mental block, every constricting belief, and I choose to just rest with you, to acknowledge you’re here with me. Right now.
Your presence is so full. I hardly know how else to describe it. When I’m with you, I am free. I want so much to be like this, with you, all day long. No matter what I’m doing or where I’m going or with whom I’m speaking, I want to be with you and know I’m with you.
Will you teach me, Holy Spirit? Will you take me by the hand and teach me? When I try to do this on my own, I just keep making mistakes. I need your steady, patient hand to guide me, to pick me back up. I open my heart to you, humbled and dependent, ready to be led.
I love you, Holy Spirit. I love you, Father. I love you, Jesus. You’re all I want.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
Waving the banner with you,
