“Christ has set us free to live a free life. So take your stand! Never again let anyone put a harness of slavery on you.”

Galatians 5:1 MSG

It’s summertime. And as wonderful as this time of year is, I tend to feel pieces of my life slide into laziness.

During the summer, we miss a few Sundays at church due to travel plans. My daily Bible reading is interrupted more frequently. My diet has heavy ice cream involvement. My exercise routine takes a back seat. My house is messier than normal because we’re running here, there and everywhere….

Can anyone else relate?

Because I’ve let myself slide a bit over these past few months, I was battling some thoughts and feelings today that honestly surprised me. Where was this anger stemming from? Why did I have that horrible thought? I would be so ashamed if someone could read my mind what a current mess it is!

I felt defeated — but God, in His graciousness, was ready with Galatians 5 to give me the pep talk I needed.

“Christ has set us free to live a free life. So take your stand! Never again let anyone put a harness of slavery on you.”

Instantly my heart quickened. I have a choice. I will not let anyone or any thought put a harness of slavery on me. I will choose to cast down thoughts that aren’t pure, lovely and of good report. And I will refocus my mind to think on good things that honor the Lord.

I cinched up my spiritual belt. Changed the things I was placing before my eyes and determined to get back on track. No more ice cream. No more mental junk. Spiritual vegetables here I come!

Mama, if you too have felt this summer slide — please know that you are never far away from God’s grace. If this is the wake up call that you need to make a change and get back on track — then do it! The Father God wants nothing more than to snuggle His children closely and bring them blessings upon blessings.

Don’t walk further away from Him, back into the slavery you’ve been freed out of. He loves you, and wants you to live freely in close communion with Him. Together, let’s cancel the “summer slide.”

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Reflection Questions:

Is there an area of your life or mental health that you’ve let slide over the summer? What steps can you take to clean up that area?

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