There is a song that I love by Jesus Culture "Break Every Chain". The title tells me that I have chains that don't let me walk, that have me imprisoned and I must let them go.

In May of this year I visited another foundation that helps men who are struggling with drugs. When I arrived I was introduced to the leaders and residents and noticed that one of them, a young man in his 20s, approached me at a slow pace because he had chains on his feet. Some foundations use this practice to keep them from running away and exposing themselves. Unfortunately, many of these men and women leave and do not return because they have been killed by drugs or gangs.

Pointing out the chains of the young man I told them that we see these chains and they prevent us from doing many things, but stronger are the spiritual chains that keep us prisoners of sadness, hatred, resentment, jealousy, laziness, envy, pride, fear, among others. Broken families, lost friendships, pain in our heart because we know we were responsible.

Drug addicts recognize that their addiction has destroyed their family, their body, mind and spirit. Do we recognize the damage our spiritual chains have caused?

I asked those present, "What are the ways to break those chains on man feet? They told me with a saw, a hammer, a stone. And I asked them how they would get rid of the chains of hatred, resentment, jealousy, laziness, envy or whatever chains they have in their hearts? There was a long silence.

It was beautiful to experience that day when some of them began to cry, both residents and visitors, acknowledging their struggle. Most said it was very difficult, that "Only God" could.

"To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:31-32

"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery" Galatians 5:1

It is true, only God can set us free. He has left us His word with clear instructions for us to follow in obedience and love, with the certainty that we will see our lives free from all those chains that rob us of peace.

God recognizes your chains and is ready to free you from them, you only have to recognize them and ask Him to remove them and He will do it.

Live free, live in peace, live in God's love.

God bless you!