“In my anguish I cried to the Lord , and He answered by setting me free,” (Psalm 118:5).

Terrorists can threaten our security. Politicians can legislate away our rights. Judges can sentence us without cause. But, true freedom is in believing what Jesus promised. “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of My hand,” (John 10:28).

How so? Because Jesus bought our freedom with the scars and stripes of His crucifixion.

This July while we celebrate life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, remember the words of the psalmist who said, “I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts,” (Psalm 119:45). “I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free,” (Psalm 119:32).

Free from worry because God provides for my every need.

Free to be content with what I have, because God will never leave me or forsake me.

Free from the guilt and shame of poor decisions, because God loves me in spite of myself.

Free to confess my sins and know that I am forgiven.

Free to lean not on my own understanding, but to lean on His.

Free to trust His plan for my life because He works all things for my good.

Free to follow Christ rather than follow the crowd.

Free to depend on God rather than doing it my way.

Free to cast my burdens on the Lord instead of carrying them myself.

Free from the law of sin and death and free to rejoice in the law of the Spirit of life.

Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free… So, if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed,” (John 8:31-32, 36).

In thankfulness for your freedom in Christ, “Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery,” (Galatians 5:1).

Celebrate your freedom in Christ as you “Approach God with freedom and confidence,” (Ephesians 3:12).

“Just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him,” (Colossians 2:6).

“Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom,” (James 2:12).

“Live as free men… as servants of God,” (1 Peter 2:16).

“Serve one another in love,” (Galatians 5:13).

“The benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life,” (Romans 6:22).

So the next time you see the stars and stripes, think “scars and stripes.” Because, “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom,” (2 Corinthians 3:17). And, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free,” (Galatians 5:1).