Posts Tagged: free choices that end in bondage

“Domination or Steady Steps?”

On November 17, 2022 by Dteb With 0 Comments - down to earth believer

“Keep steady my steps according to your promise,

and let no iniquity get dominion over me.” (Psalm 119:133, English Standard Version)

I am free to sin, but when I sin, I am no longer free. The Bible often speaks of sin as a form of bondage. In Psalm 119:133, the psalmist does not use the common word for “to rule.” Instead, it is a word used for exercising absolute authority over someone. Sin doesn’t just “get dominion over me.” Sin dominates. I don’t like being dominated.

How do I avoid being dominated by my own not-so-free choices? The psalmist hints—or more than hints—that prayer is one aspect of how to avoid being dominated. Notice that verse 133, like much of Psalm 119 (and much of the entire book of Psalms), is prayer. I can get captivated and dominated by all kinds of sins on my own, but I can only escape from such slavery by calling on God. But here is the problem: I don’t like asking for help, not even from God, but I need to do that on an incredibly regular basis.

Another other way to be free from domination is by establishing or keeping my steps in accordance with God’s promise. The life of faith is not a life of avoidance, not even of avoiding sin. The life of faith is a journey in which we put one foot in front of the other in the direction of God and love. And even here, especially here, we also need God to establish our steps.

Or, as my sponsor often reminds me, JKDTNRT: Just Keep Doing The Next Right Thing.

My prayers for me and for you is that we would live free, with God-ordered steps, just for today.

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