Any shackles holding you back from being the person God created you to be? You know. Those shackles we allow to define us and keep us from completing the work God calls us to. The shackles we permit Satan to wrap around us that trap us.

Maybe we’ve allowed the shackles of our mistakes to make us feel unworthy of God’s love. Perhaps it’s the shackles of our stiff-necked attitudes that keep us from softening our hearts towards others. Our shackles might be Satan’s lies of doubt, discouragement, and defeat.

The shackles bind and restrict, yet we falsely believe we will never break free. We get beat down over and over and over by life events, and it becomes difficult to stand back up. One thing right smack dab after another.

We’re bound by chains that remind us of everything that’s gone wrong. When that happens, we sometimes find it difficult to lift our hands in praise to Jesus for everything that’s gone right.

But you know what?

It’s in the praising we release those shackles that bind and hurt. Those shackles that hold us back from being who God created us to be. It’s in the praising we send the devil running. It’s in the praising we glorify God.

It might not come easy at first. It takes repeated practice. But that’s where Jesus enters with the key that unlocks our hurts, pains, suffering, and sorrow.

Jesus never promised those who followed him would live a life free of pain. On the contrary, he said his followers would have trouble in this world. He also told his followers to be encouraged.

Why? Because Christ overcame the world through his death and resurrection.

Any shackles holding you back? Anything binding and restricting you from being the person you were created to be? Perhaps it’s time to shake off those shackles and get your praise on.

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Suddenly an angel of the Lord stood there, and a light shone in the cell. The angel shook Peter by the shoulder, woke him up, and said, “Hurry! Get up!” At once the chains fell off Peter’s hands. Acts 12:7 (GNT)

You can find my April Inspire a Fire post here. Please stop by and read it.

I wish you well.

Sandy