. . . to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound,

Isaiah 61:1 ESV

Most of us haven’t been physically imprisoned, but countless may be bound by the heavy chains of mental illness, unhealthy relationships, religious rules, addictions, emotional abuse, fear, and oppression. I have experienced a dark captivity with no hope for freedom.

I was confined by emotional and mental illness, diagnosed with chronic depression disorder at age thirty-eight. I always thought it was just my personality.  Unchecked depression leads to despair; despair leads to hopelessness. Those without hope may be tempted to give up on life. There seems to be no way of escape. But there is! And there is Hope!

“Things can’t be that bad!”

A man entering the elevator greeted me with that comment when I was about twenty-six. My downcast face did not lie. I forced myself to look up, shrug my shoulders, and force a smile. Mental note: next time, keep up a better facade.

The burden of depression was normal for me, despite the amount of energy it consumed. My dead life—like a flat, lifeless paper doll.

I chose to journey into liberty. Jesus declares our freedom and opens the prison doors for escape! Our part is to walk out of captivity into a new life. Then we can give evidence for Jesus’s accomplishments to those still held captive.

Will you allow Jesus to provide the way of escape for you?

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it (1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV).

Sometimes it feels more comfortable to give in to temptation and remain imprisoned. Will you let the Spirit of God release you? Are you ready to share your freedom story with others?

Karen Sims