“Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his anointed, saying, ‘Let us break their chains and throw off their shackles.’”
—Psalm 2:1-3 NIV

It is easy to feel that submitting to God’s authority limits us.

That is how the rulers of Psalm 2 felt when they said of the Lord and of his anointed king, “Let us break their chains and throw off their shackles.”

We live in a society that defines freedom as the ability to do anything we want and has only one law: do whatever makes you feel good.

The only problem with this philosophy is that the Bible teaches us that following all of our whims brings slavery, not freedom (see John 8:34 and Romans 6:15-18).

Speak with anyone who has struggled with an addiction and they will confirm this truth.

The closing words of Psalm 2 assure us: “Blessed are all who take refuge in him.”

Jesus came to give us abundant life (see John 10:10). When we choose to submit our lives to his Word, we will begin to discover that he is not oppressive but a refuge.

Here is a simple prayer to carry with you today:

Breathe in: God,
Breathe out: Be my refuge