What is your response when you’re facing affliction? Where do you turn when you’re feeling brokenhearted? How do you respond when you’re feeling trapped? The prophet Isaiah identified the solution to these problems as he described the ministry of the Messiah,

The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to captives and freedom to prisoners; to proclaim the favorable year of the LORD and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn, (Isaiah 61:1-2)

You may wondering, “How do we know the identity of the individual that Isaiah was describing?” Early in Jesus’ ministry, He read this portion of Scripture from Isaiah and made this amazing statement,

And He closed the book, gave it back to the attendant and sat down; and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on Him. And He began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” (Luke 4:20-21)

Jesus is the long awaited Messiah who is able to comfort all who mourn. All of us face affliction at times. Regardless of the cause of your affliction, God knows what you’re facing, He cares about your situation, and He can bring comfort to your heart. Psalm 147 portrays the Lord’s ministry in our lives,

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. (Psalm 147:3)

It’s comforting to know that God can bring healing to your broken heart. The sad truth is that many people do not realize their brokenness and their need for a Savior. The reality is that we’re all broken. If we do not realize our brokenness and need for God we may try to bring about healing in our own strength and this can lead to self-righteousness. The fact is we can never be good enough. God not only binds up our wounds, but He supports His people,

The LORD supports the afflicted; He brings down the wicked to the ground. (Psalm 147:6)

Are you feeling afflicted? Turn to God and He can bear the affliction you’re facing. God relieves our affliction by enabling us to experience freedom,

So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” (John 8:31-32)

Your birthright as a Christian is living a life of freedom. The prerequisite to freedom is continuing in His word. The word “continue” conveys the idea to remain or stay. As you continue in God’s word, you will develop a perspective that will enable you to experience freedom regardless of your circumstances. The greatest prison walls are not those made of concrete and steel, but those we erect in our minds.

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

Follow me on twitter:  rickhiggins5