“But if people are bound in chains, held fast by cords of affliction, he tells them what they have done — that they have sinned arrogantly. He makes them listen to correction and commands them to repent of their evil. If they obey and serve him, they will spend the rest of their days in prosperity and their years in contentment.” – Job 36:8-11
Job was right. Most of us live in chains. We’re confined and restrained by shackles that resist every attempt at escape.
These aren’t literal metal chains, such as John the Baptist endured in prison before his beheading. His were clamped on by a regime that feared his influential prophecies, foretelling a coming savior who would redeem the masses.
No, these are metaphorical chains we put on ourselves – and, for some reason, don’t see. They restrain our daily existence. They hold us back from fulfilling our potential. Yet, inexplicably, we can’t break them.
Most of us are “chained” by fear. We’re paralyzed by past sins and regrets. Maybe it’s the great job we didn’t pursue, or the amazing person we didn’t ask out.
Or, perhaps it’s hurtful statements we made, or times we shrugged off kindnesses that, later, we realized were incredibly gracious and generous.
Self-imprisonment is all too real. We continually ask: Am I good enough? Am I worthy of love? Do I have what it takes to be successful?
Society can “chain” us, too. Its norms dictate that we not talk about Christ in the workplace, or bring Him up on social media. Obviously, these chains need to be cast off to fulfil the Great Commission!
So, we remain shackled to our desk, our couch, our doubts … and largely unaware. Yet we desperately want to be unbound and freed. We just don’t know how, or where to turn.
Reach for the Key
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.’” – Galatians 2:20
It’s easy to get stuck in the past. We all have regrets, for things we did or didn’t do. Some carry deep scars from trauma of abuse, addiction, or abandonment. Everyone has baggage. The only differences are the weight.
Yes, these are the “chains” that bind us … and only Jesus holds the key.
It’s never too late to turn the page with Christ, and begin a new life. The Bible says the “old” us shared the cross at Calvary. That being is gone. Christ lives in us instead.
He calls on us to surrender. It’s the opportunity to experience a full life in Him. Will we accept this offer of a fresh start?
For many, it’s a big ask. They fear having to give up, well, something that must be really valuable in return. We always expect a trade-off, right?
Hesitations aside, try getting started with these practices in mind:
- Keep God first. Pray to start the day. Read Scripture. Share the Gospel. Make church a reason to miss other events – not the other way around. Too “busy” to prioritize Christ? All the more reason to escape being Buried Under Satan’s Yoke.
- Forget the past. Yikes. Talk about “big asks.” Well, just like we’re called to crucify our sinful desires, do the same to your heavy, burdensome past. Nail it to a tree, then pound more nails into it. Crucify and bury its unwelcome, unforgiving weight.
- Don’t obsess about the future. It’s OK to set goals and make plans. Yet, trust God to guide your path into the future. Know that things might not happen in your desired order or timeframe. He will not abandon you.
- Put God’s Word first. We’re barraged daily by words – from family, co-workers, friends, social media, advertisements and other sources. Start your day right by reading God’s Word. The Bible is a firm foundation on which to build wisdom and discretion, to interpret the many other words we hear.
Surrender to Victory
“Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.” – Psalms 62:8
Being “chained” to our past just seems to be part of human nature. We can’t undo what’s done … and it drives us crazy. Therapy and coaching can loosen the shackles. They won’t break them.
Only surrendering to Jesus offers a release from past pains and regrets. We can’t live our best life until this threshold is crossed. Doing so opens the door to joy and prosperity.
It’s not a one-way street, though. We need to be open and honest with Him. This means confessing our sins and missteps, and taking responsibility.
Yes, it’s being vulnerable. Christ offers a safe place where we can be open with our emotions. He will not judge us. He’ll forgive us.
Therein lies the beauty, and freedom, of the surrender. Jesus will break the chains that have held us for far too long. We can turn the page to a new chapter.
Why are we afraid?
(If you’re ready to embrace Christ, He’s ready for you. Visit C-Suite for Christ to join in Christ-centered fellowship with other professionals. Join us as a member. Plant a chapter where you live. Consider becoming a corporate partner. Follow C-Suite for Christ on LinkedIn and Facebook. Questions? Contact Paul M. Neuberger at (414) 313-8338 or pneuberger@csuiteforchrist.com.)
