"Where the Spirit of the Lord Is"

​Happy July 1st!  As Americans, we are getting ready to celebrate our nation’s birthday and the freedom upon which it was built.  July 4th is a monumental day is many ways.  However, no human organization is perfect, and we have seen our nation’s shortcomings in many ways these past few months.  Yet the truth is that true freedom is only found in Christ.  We cannot manufacture or guarantee it as a people, government, organization, or movement.  Only Jesus Christ can give it to us.  Therefore, as we celebrate freedom this weekend, I want to bring our attention to the freedom we have in Christ by sharing a worship song on this topic.

​“Where the Spirit of the Lord Is” by Hillsong is a declaration of truth that only in Jesus’ name is there freedom.  Freedom from sin, freedom from bondage, freedom from oppression, anger, brokenness, depression, dysfunction, and all the things that hold us in captive.  This song also reminds us that in order to gain freedom we must humble ourselves.  In God’s kingdom, freedom is not gained by independence, but the opposite, surrender.  When we surrender to the Lord, we find true and lasting freedom.
 
This song is an anthem, a declaration, and a prayer.  The verses declare the truth of our status in Christ and the freedom we have gained, the chorus is an anthem to remind us that we must stay in the Spirit of God to remain free and to tell the world where to find freedom, and the bridge is a prayer for God’s blessing and presence as we humble ourselves and accept His gift of salvation.
 
While I don’t have a favorite part for this song, the section that keeps circling on repeat in my mind is the chorus:

“Where the Spirit of the Lord is
There is freedom
Where the Spirit of the Lord is
Chains are broken
Eyes are open
Christ is with us”

​I hope and pray that as you prepare to celebrate Independence Day, you will remember the freedom you have gained in Christ and celebrate that on a daily basis.  May we not take for granted the amazing gift we have been given.  But may we treasure it, remember it, and celebrate that in Christ we are free forever.  Here’s “Where the Spirit of the Lord Is” by Hillsong.

"Where the Spirit of the Lord Is"
by Hillsong

For we know the truth
Your truth has set us free
In Your Name alone
We have been released
You are here with us
You are here with us

We are slaves no more
Freedom is our hope
Never looking back
Jesus, You are Lord
We give all to You
We give all to You

Where the Spirit of the Lord is
There is freedom
Where the Spirit of the Lord is
Chains are broken
Eyes are open
Christ is with us
Christ is with us

Who the Son has freed
He is free indeed
All our sin is gone
We have been redeemed
Jesus paid it all
Jesus paid it all

Where the Spirit of the Lord is
There is freedom
Where the Spirit of the Lord is
Chains are broken
Eyes are open
Christ is with us
Christ is with us

Open wide the gates of heaven
Fill our hearts as we surrender
Lord let Your presence fall
Lord let Your presence fall

Open wide the gates of heaven
We will worship You forever
Lord let Your presence fall
Lord let Your presence fall

Where the Spirit of the Lord is
There is freedom
Where the Spirit of the Lord is
Chains are broken
Eyes are open
Christ is with us
Christ is with us