“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 2:2-3 NIV

It is easy to feel that God’s commands limit us.

That is how the “rulers” of Psalm 2 felt when they said of the Lord and of his anointed, “Let us break their chains and throw off their shackles” (Psalm 2:3b).

We live in a society that defines freedom as the ability to do anything we want and has only one law: do what 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 prayer to carry with you today:

Breathe in: Your words give life
Breathe out: You are my refuge