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Day Two: Out of Spiritual Captivity

Spiritual captivity is a time in our lives when the Lord is calling us to go forward and make progress, and we feel that we cannot answer His call. In captivity, we find ourselves spiritually stuck or tired from trying. The message from the Lord is this: there is a way out of spiritual captivity; there is a path that we can follow which will bring us back to the dreams and goals He sets before us. This path, this journey, is shown to us in the ancient story of the Exodus. It is the story of the people of Israel and their journey from captivity in Egypt to their promised homeland in Canaan. In these ancient words of the Bible there is a beautiful allegory, a personal story of the Lord’s healing and restoration of our lives.

We have all experienced spiritual captivity. It can be a statement such as, "I don’t know how to deal with my anger any more. I just can’t control it." Spiritual captivity can be a state of cynicism: "Yes, I used to believe in those dreams, those ideals... but now I know the hard reality of life." Spiritual captivity can be a time of hopelessness and despair: "I have tried to follow the will of the Lord, and each time I fail. What is the use of trying any more?"

This state of mind is illustrated by the story of the children of Israel in the opening verses of the book of Exodus. They were held captive in a foreign land, a people who had become slaves in Egypt. The former promises and memories of their homeland, Canaan, were a distant dream. In the Word, we read that their lives in Egypt were made "bitter with hard bondage—in mortar, in brick, and in all manner of service in the field" Exodus 1:14.

Insight
The Lord encourages us to look outside of our limited view and trust His big picture view. The goal is to put our trust in the Lord and not get caught up in ourself alone, our own plans, worries, and doubts.

Reflection
What ways of thinking are holding you back? Circle any above that apply. What new ways of thinking do you envision leading you forward in life?

Download the Ways of Thinking and Reflection in printable form. (PDF)

Discussion Board
Share your thoughts on today's Journey in the discussion board.

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