Bound to Christ

"By dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve the new ways of the Spirit, and not in the old ways of the written code"

Romans 7:6

Romans Chapter 7 opens the doors to a new opportunity to be bound to Christ, rather than bound to the ways of life before Christ. "By dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve the new ways of the Spirit, and not in the old ways of the written code" Romans 7:6. As you offer your life to Him through His son, you become renewed. This renewed life does not meant that you are perfect in your ways. In fact Paul warns that it is only natural to be sinful. That sinful ways will be "normal." Yet he does not say this to turn you from God. Instead, Paul says this to turn you closer to God.

"For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do" Romans 7:15. A verse that can be experienced at any point in life. It is easy to find yourself doing the things that you don't want to do because it is easy. And not doing the things that you truly want to do because it may be harder. But sin is also easy. Sin keeps you from doing things that you want to do, and instead makes you do the things that you hate. "As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. For, I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do--this I keep on doing" Romans 7:17-19. These lines in scripture represent the awareness that without Him you cannot do the things that you know to be good. Without Him it is sin that decides your actions for you. Romans 7 ends with: "Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord" Romans 7:25. The good that Paul speaks of is God.

Depression and anxiety can be parts of life that bound you to sinful ways. Note: depression and anxiety are not sins. These experiences are not sinful. But how they may separate you from Him, could be worth evaluating. Depression and anxiety are real experiences, experienced by real people. These are moments in people lives that bring hurt, heartache, pain, sadness, worry, and isolation. Depression and anxiety are not the result of you being a sinful person. The point that Romans 7 is making, is that there is a life before Christ and there is a life after Christ. The life before Christ leads to death. The life after Christ leads to life. In dying to the old ways of your life, and being born into Christ you are saying: despite what challenges I may face in the future I will face them with Him, and not alone. Depression and anxiety are already lonely enough at times, why continue to allow them to keep having that stronghold? Again, sinning is part of life, but it does not have to be part of the story. The difference is that sins are going to happen Paul told you that, Jesus told you that, and God told you that--the world is full of sinners. The story is what you do about the choices you make in life. The change comes in choosing Christ. This change: that it is no longer you that has to do good, He can do good though you by living in you. He is the good that Paul talks about dwelling within you to change your nature.

If you must be bound to something,

be Bound to the one who gives life,

rather than that which takes it.

Scripture:

Romans 7

Romans 7:6

Romans 7:15

Romans 7:17-19

Questions:

What are you currently bound to? How does this change when you turn to Him?

How does depression and anxiety keep you from Him?

Prayer:

Lord, I am reminded that despite sin, you continue to love me and you continue to seek me. I pray that I continue to turn to you in those moments that I seek direction. I pray that I turn to you in those times that I question myself, when I doubt what you have planned for me. Lord I know that those experiencing depression and anxiety are going through moments that test them. I know that they are fighting a fight that many know nothing about. Lord I pray for them. I pray that they may find rest in you. I pray that they may find hope in you. I pray that they may turn to you. Lord I am grateful, thankful, and blessed by the wonders of your love. The love you showed in sending your Son to pay for the choices I make. I pray that I can take something from today, in learning that it is the GOOD of you that lives in me, and that I cannot do and be the good without you. In all of this I pray. Through your son. Amen.