I will run in the way of your commandments for you set my heart free. Psalm 119:32, ESV

 

I was very touched, today, when I switched on the News, to get a glimpse of several Remembrance Day Services that had taken place across the country. Though held in different locations, a unity of spirit prevailed, each displaying the same dignity and decorum, as people dressed in sombre colours, stood silently, listening to the ‘Last Post’ and watching dignitaries laying poppy wreaths with deep solemnity. It was a moving scene: humanity honouring courageous people who had paid the ultimate sacrifice to defend their loved ones against an enemy, and enable them to live free.

 

Freedom, to the human spirit, is so important because it brings with it the privilege of self-determination and individual growth. The right to live according to one’s own culture and beliefs and pursue happiness, and the ability to choose the best life possible in one’s circumstances, captivates our imaginations.

 

But freedom is double-edged: it can bring great joy as it enables us to pursue our dreams, and enjoy achieving them, but it can also leave us bored and unfulfilled – like children after the first week of school holidays. To be free without a purpose doesn’t necessarily mean continual happiness; it could even lead to despair. Ironically, freedom with restraints adds the missing link it requires.

 

It never ceases to amaze me how joyfully freeing it is to live life within a framework of limitations, and embrace the boundaries. It makes us secure to know how to respond in a situation and to know that the limits that are in place are for the common good; and by sticking to the system, it frees you to focus on whatever you’re doing with your life. This applies to everything – who hasn’t watched a rugby game where the spectators don’t all boo any infringement of the rules?

 

I love our verse today because it expresses beautifully how being grounded in God is liberation. No chains to hold us back – we can run with joy. “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free …” says Paul, “Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” (Galatians 5:1, NIV)

When God is our focus, and his commandments are embraced, we connect to His perfect goodness, wisdom, love, and grace which have the power to free us from worldly limitations – “I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts” (Psalm 119:45, NIV) – and opens to us the beauty of who God is, and what life in Him makes possible.

 

“Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord. Blessed are those who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart – they do no wrong but follow his ways.” (Psalm119:1-3, NIV)

 

What about us? Have we discovered this life-changing irony?

 

Prayer: Gracious Father, “Your word, Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens. Your faithfulness continues through all generations; you established the earth, and it endures.” (Psalm 119:89-90, NIV) Thank you that to be grounded in You brings me freedom because You light my path and Your Word is true. “I delight in your commands because I love them.” (Psalm 119:47, NIV) Amen.