Finding Freedom

Finding freedom has been on my mind a lot lately.  Being in the company of others who are sharing real life events of people struggling with an addiction, that year in and year out just seems to be getting the best of them,one them ultimately taking their own life, has spurred on this thinking.  The complexities surrounding such life stories is almost mind boggling.  How do we end up there?  And what is it that makes some come out of it so much for the better, and others to never come out of it at all?  This thinking can be applied to a depression, alcoholism, drug addiction, eating disorders, pornography,abuse, and the like.

Another question that has been plaguing my mind, is for those that do come out of these trials completely free, how many, if any, were able to do it without the very person of Christ being a part of their life?  Maybe my sphere of influence is so limited, but every person or situation that I have heard of that has been able to walk out of a situation of the like, completely free and accepting of forgiveness, knows Christ and has made Him a significant part of their life.  I have known many that are able to "live" with these addictions, accepting that they will just make the best of it and get used to it.  I was told many times in my treatment for anorexia, that I would always struggle with it, but I would learn to cope and be pretty healthy.  That is not complete freedom to me.  That is coping/surviving, not freely living!  I know that Teen Challenge experiences around a 70% success rate of those that have completed their program, and secular treatment centers quote anywhere from 1-15% success rates.  I realize that these are just statistics, and change year by year and may not be the most accurate, but it does make you think. 

Personally, I know that without being able to cling to my personal relationship with Christ and the truths in the Bible, I would not be able to say that I have been completely free for almost 10 years now.  However, I know that there are many that cling to Christ and the truths in the Bible, that have not found complete freedom from the affliction at hand.  Complete freedom for me did not happen overnight by any means....it took a good 6 years!  There were many times I pleaded with God to take it away, but the answer did not come right away.  This discussion could really open up with many questions, but for tonight, the thought is... Do you know of anyone that has found complete freedom from an addiction, or something of the like, without Christ?

I would love to hear any thoughts that you might have on this.  Just click on comments below and leave me your words of wisdom =)  

How Great Thou Art

I love Christ and all that He has done, is, and always will be. My life may not always reflect this accurately, yet there is just something about this hymn, and her rendition of it that brings me to my knees in awe of the character and depth of love in God.  I wanted to just post the lyrics and have the song playing on the side bar, but that could not be done.  So here it is on a you tube clip, with the lyrics to follow.  All too often we forget to step back and remember just what has been done for us. Taking the time to enjoy this song is a simple way to do just that!  Enjoy!

O Lord my God, When I in awesome wonder,
Consider all the worlds Thy Hands have made;
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,
Thy power throughout the universe displayed.
      
     (chorus)
     Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
     How great Thou art, How great Thou art.
     Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
     How great Thou art, How great Thou art!

And when I think, that God, His Son not sparing;
Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in;
That on the Cross, my burden gladly bearing,
He bled and died to take away my sin.
     (Chorus )

Verse 3.
When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation,
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart.
Then I shall bow, in humble adoration,
And then proclaim: "My God, how great Thou art!"