You are Free

                                                                                I will run the way of Thy commandments, when Thou 
                                                                                shall enlarge my heart. And I will walk at liberty: 
                                                                                for I seek Thy precepts. (Ps.118, 32, 45)

When our heart is open and enlarged, then it is much easier to obey the Law of God. And when you are being obedient, then your heart is getting enlarged. There’s no controversy in this and everyone can prove it by their own experience. When fulfilling the Will of God, you will learn the truth, and the truth will set you free. When you follow His commandments, you’ll abide in His love, and by abiding in Him, you shall bring forth much fruit (Jh.15, 8)

It is good when the heart is open, instead of being locked up and suffering by fruitless regrets, isn’t it? When your heart is open, you breathe freely, walk straight and fast, not feeling tired and clearly seeing your goal. But not a single man in the world can open up my heart, even if he is able to make me a ruler of a large kingdom. No matter how often I repeat to myself: “I am free”, my heart will be in a lock up and enslaved to sin until the Lord opens it up and frees me from sin and temptation.

We are slaves by nature, but the Lord, in His mercy, gave us freedom. He bought us with His Blood, He told us to touch in faith the redeeming Cross of Jesus Christ and said: “You are free”. Have you heard this voice? Have you felt how heavy chains fell off your feet and your heart got enlarged? You were not able to move, but now you can and should follow your internal calling. Obedience became possible for you, it became effortless and joyful. Huge space is opened up before you and you feel strong and able to walk through it, because you feel free and saved. You can do anything because God did His work in you and you experienced the truthfulness of these words: “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed” (Jn.8, 36)

(Translated by Tatiana Rozzell from “Every Day is a Gift from God. Diaries of an Orthodox Priest”, author unknown)