Who has found themselves repeating the same mistakes over and over? Everybody right. It seems no matter what we do, we keep holding onto the chains that hold us captive, even if we’ve been set free.
Run Kid Run recently put out a new record. The last track on the record really hit a chord in my mind, and motivated me to write down some simple thoughts. “Freedom” is an anthem from the hearts of the band. It’s message has been described as Love at the Core in a song—In the end, there’s only love.
In Psalm 119:45 it says, “I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts.” Think about that for a moment. To walk in freedom, we need to seek God’s commands. It sounds so simple, but what’s holding us back from that freedom?
All my chains I can’t disengage, And I don’t believe that I want to, One hand sings your praise the other brings me shame, I have selfishness to blame
And I’m singing for freedom, I know I’m not the only one, Praying to the One who can bring me this freedom, And I’m ready for change
Jesus once taught about from what the prophet Isaiah wrote. Taking out the scroll Jesus read: “He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.” This was not only a reality, but I believe it was a metaphor describing how Jesus’ love covers all sin, addiction, and struggle.
Broken down I lay, I keep holding my chains, No longer bound but here I stay.
Every time I hear that line, it reminds me of how this is a reality for everyone. No matter how big you think your sin is; God gave us his love, his freedom through Jesus Christ. Matthew 26:28 tells of us the last supper and the first communion saying, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”
It amazes me. How do we continue to dip down into the pain and the hurt of being snared in shackles. We’ve had the opportunity become free, but we don’t take it. Instead we go back to take another drink, and sometimes can leave us asking, “Why does God love a sinner like me?” it’s a harsh truth, but that’s how big God’s love is for us.
Still You patiently await, yet I won’t just let go, I see You and You alone, saying come follow me, despair has come so you can see, release.
Before closing the band hits a note of redemption. A reality that is open to anyone willing to believe and receive.
Take my hand grace has found you where you once began, your alive you're alive in the waking of new life, take my hand in the end there’s only love.
In the end, there’s only love. Think about it.
Written by Jeremy Koering for MusicFaith.com
