Back in the very early 70’s a band by the name of Chicago put out a song called, ‘I Just Want To Be Free.’ Back in those days, I played in a rock band and I remember playing this song. In those days, I was far from being a Christian; I just enjoyed partying and playing songs with a funky beat, which is what this song was. As I read the lyrics of this song now; it breaks my heart to think that so many Christians continue to echo these lyrics:

‘I just want to be free / I just want to be free / I want to be free of all the hurt / I want to be free of all the pain / I want to end these lonely hours / I want to end these lonely days / I just want to be free’

When our band played this song, I was moved by the rhythm of the song, the horn licks, the funky beat and the groove it laid down. I paid little, if any attention, to what the writer of the song, Robert Lamm,  was looking to say, ‘I Just Want To be Free.’

When I first accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, the feeling of being made white as snow; the guilt of all my sins being washed away, was so overwhelming, even now just thinking about it brings my soul such great joy. The problem comes, when we allow the enemy to bring us back into the bondage of sin again, which brings much condemnation. Romans 8:1-2 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death” Jesus says in John 8:36 “So if the Son set you free, you will be free indeed“

On July 4 of this month, our nation will be celebrating 240 years of Independence from the British Empire, which took place back on July 4, 1776.  We live in the greatest nation in the world. Many people continue to try and come to America because of the many freedoms we enjoy here. Yet, little by little we are sadly seeing many of our freedoms being taken away by special interest groups and people with power

The Apostle Paul writes in Galatians 5:1 “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm again, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery“

If you have made Jesus Christ the Lord and Savior of your life, my friend, then you are free. Yes, you will stumble and fall from time to time in your walk with the Lord but it doesn’t ever mean you lost that freedom. 1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, He (Lord) is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness“

Jesus said in this world we would have many trials and tribulations, but in the midst of all those trials and tribulations we were to be of good cheer for He had overcome the world. Now when we experience hurts, pains, lonely hours and lonely days, there is One (Jesus Christ our Lord) whom we can call upon to restore the joy of our salvation back to us.

If the words of this song by Chicago describes the condition of your heart my friend then cry out this very moment to the One who can set you free indeed and watch Him end all your pain, hurt, lonely hours and lonely days!!!