Free... in the Lord
True freedom is found on the path bordered by God’s love and wisdom.
Devotional Credit: In Christ by E. Stanley Jones
Photo Credit: Unsplash
E. Stanley Jones invites us to pause and consider what true freedom looks like—not in the worldly sense of doing whatever we wish, but in the liberating safety of living in the Lord. Reflecting on Paul’s instruction in 1 Corinthians 7:39, he points out that even our personal desires, such as the desire to remarry, must remain guarded by this phrase: only in the Lord. Within that boundary lies both blessing and security, even if not always immediate happiness.
Jones shares the story of a man who entered a marriage with God’s blessing, though not with a promise of emotional ease. The marriage brought heartache, but because it was grounded in the Lord, the man and his wife were each able to turn pain into purpose. God didn’t remove the sorrow but worked through it, transforming what could have been a trap of discontent into a testimony of grace.
When we make decisions apart from our abiding union with Christ, even good things can become unstable. But when our choices are anchored in Him, even hardships become bearable, even fruitful. In a world eager to follow feelings and chase changing desires, this devotional is a reminder: the safest path isn’t the one that pleases us most—it’s the one that remains in the Lord.
✍🏼 Personalized Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
You are free—but not as the world defines freedom. You are free because you belong to Me, and your boundaries are no longer chains but loving lines of protection. You may choose what you desire, but let your choosing remain within Me, where your desires are made new.
I have not promised ease, but I have promised Myself. When your decisions are made in Me, they are kept by Me. I can bless even what does not feel like blessing. I can work through what the world calls a mistake and turn it into ministry. I can draw eternal fruit from temporal sorrow when your life abides in Me.
Freedom outside of Me is not freedom at all—it is a mirage that leads to disillusionment. But freedom in Me is steady and secure. My yoke is easy, not because there is no burden, but because you are no longer bearing it alone.
When your wishes shift with the wind, I remain the same. Let your heart be led by My voice, not your whims. What begins in Me will be held together by Me. And even if tears fall, even if joy feels far off, your path is not wasted when it is Mine.
Scriptures referenced: 1 Corinthians 7:39; Galatians 5:1; John 15:5; Romans 8:28; Matthew 11:30
🧭 Real-Life Analogy
It’s like following a GPS that only works when you stay on the main road. The moment you veer off onto unmarked paths, the signal drops and confusion sets in. But as long as you remain on the intended route—even if there are potholes, slowdowns, or detours—you still reach the destination. The GPS doesn’t promise a smooth ride, but it does promise you won’t get lost.
🙏🏼 Prayer of Confidence
Father, I rejoice that my life is no longer left to my own understanding. You have given me freedom, not to wander aimlessly, but to walk in union with Your will. Thank You for the safety of Your boundaries and the unshakable security of every decision made in Christ. Even when joy seems distant, I trust that You are bringing forth eternal fruit from every step. I rest in You today, knowing that Your blessing is not tied to my feelings but to Your unfailing love.