My mixed media painting, Freedom, addresses this question.
“What exactly is freedom?”, I asked Jesus one night before I went to bed. God often speaks to me through dreams and that night I had powerful dream about what is NOT freedom.
Words in modern vocabulary often minimize complex ideas. So in today’s culture, the word freedom = self expression and autonomy. It’s my right to do anything I want, whenever I want. But true freedom is a bigger, more complex idea. God’s idea of freedom is wholesome and complete.
Also, what we call freedom isn’t truly freedom because we are often enslaved by something. The spiritual realm is active all the time, even if we do not see it with our physical eyes. The forces of darkness actively plan and plot to destroy lives by planting lies into our mind. Our mind is Satan’s target, irrespective of who you are. He plants hopelessness, insecurity, fear, pride, jealousy, bitterness, lies. These oppressive thoughts lead to sin, addiction bondage and all kinds of choices that result in brokenness. We live enslaved to satan and his lies.
Thus, true freedom, isn’t the right to do whatever we want to do, because, truthfully speaking, that almost never happens. True freedom is to be set free from the lies of the enemy and being manipulated by him.
I painted this painting with the word ‘Freedom’ in mind. I used all the colors that caught my attention and added a lot of shimmer. As I’ve kept the conversation open with Jesus about freedom, He has been opening my eyes to the realities of the freedom we have in Him. It’s important to fully understand it and receive all that He has for us.
Freedom isn’t freedom until the Son of God sets us free. Freedom from lies, freedom from sin, freedom from dark addictions anf hopelessness, freedom from self, freedom from the world, freedom from oppression, freedom from the demonic forces of evil. Jesus was bound so we could be free. He stepped into the grave to release us from death and decay. Real freedom is beyond what the human brain can fully comprehend.
My prayer is that this painting causes people to pause and truly consider what freedom is.
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I (Jesus) have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10
Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son(Jesus) sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:34,35
birds – set free from bondage
butterflies – transformation and renewal of mind
Gold on head – anointing, covering of truth on our minds
chicken wire pattern in the background – caged, bondage, captive
Diamond pattern, iridescent paint, sequin – reflecting God’s glory, freedom
cage and key – symbols of captivity and freedom
Circles – hope, light, thriving in God’s truth
#freeindeed #freedom #setfree