Way back in Gainesville, Georgia I learned a lot about freedom.

The understanding and meaning of freedom, how to live in it, and even what it looks like to NOT live in freedom after learning what it is. And now I'm experiencing yet a new layer of what true freedom is.

When i first came to Costa Rica the Lord gave me a word:

Liberty. 

Liberation.

A deeper freedom that only some can experience. By Google’s definition liberty is the act of truly being freed from oppression, bondage, or life. It’s gone and over with and now there is something new ahead - a state of freedom. 

The word itself reminds me of when the Israelites were freed from slavery in Egypt. Finally, after hundreds of years the time has come. Moses leads the Lord's people out into the wilderness and into what we would assume is freedom. But even in the wilderness the people begin to doubt and even envy their time as slaves. How often is this us?

We’ve reached a place of freedom. The addiction is broken, forgiveness is given, comparison is cast out. But a few days/weeks/months/years later we turn back around and pick up the old, dirty, and rusty chains we once wore. We got so used to the weight that the now light and airy walk we have feels unfamiliar. 

We’ve all done it before, and we will probably do it again. But we don’t have to anymore. 

Something the Lord is walking me through is the state of my heart. If it’s not prepped and ready the Lord can’t completely fill every section with His love. If I still have a few crumbs of shame and guilt left, overflow can’t take place. It’s only when our own hearts have been liberated from sin and darkness that liberty comes in. 

So right now my heart is being power washed. Every section of my heart cleared out for more of Him. More freedom and love and grace and goodness. A power wash isn’t always pleasant but it’s always worth it. The reward and product is always good. Never a waste of time. 

So if it means that every part has to be surrendered and washed clean so liberation can come through, turn up the power. 

Have you been liberated? Are your chains long gone? What part of your heart is holding back?