1 Corinthians 6:12

Before I was convicted by the Holy Spirit to follow Jesus and to build a personal relationship with Him, I was a prisoner in life.  My past kept me in bondage.  My childhood experiences were as chains keeping me down, tying me to painful memories. It seemed that everything I enjoyed doing was wrong and my feelings of guilt and shame formed a jail of sorts, if only in my mind.

Freedom is found when Christ is part of our life. This sounds like a trite statement, but I find there is often truth in triteness. I struggle with overeating and I love sweets and I often turn to food when feeling lonely or bored.  This verse is helping me to recognize that moderation is key for me. Life Application Bible Notes teaches us to be careful that what God has allowed us to enjoy we don't turn into a bad habit.

1 Corinthians 6:12 (NIV)

 "Everything is permissible for me"--but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible for me"--but I will not be mastered by anything. 

As a child I turned to food for comfort and joy. As an adult I know this is false happiness and that I need to lean on God for true joy and freedom. This is another simple thought and a truism, but a fact none the less. When I give up my wants and allow God to provide for my needs, the chains fall away. 

When I am dealing with the pain that accompanies the chains of this world there is only one way I can turn.  I have to submit and surrender my will and pray for the grace to overcome.  God's grace is the key to unlocking the prison doors.