3 Action Steps to Find Freedom from a Wounded Spirit

Here are three action steps to find freedom from a wounded spirit by Tammy Kennington. Her walk toward freedom was a journey. She realized it was necessary to step back into her pain in order to heal from it. Read on for Day 4 in the What Freedom in Christ Looks Like Online Event by the Blogger Voices Network, hosted right here at KellyRBaker.com.

Tammy Kennington is a writer, speaker, and life coach. Familiar with the impact of trauma, mental illness, and parenting in the hard places, Tammy leads women toward a deeper understanding of their relationship with the God who loves them.

You can meet with Tammy at tammykennington.wordpress.com or find her e-book, Moving from Pain to Peace-A Journey Toward Hope When the Past Holds You Captive, on Amazon.

Finding Freedom When You have a Wounded Spirit 

The shackles, which had clung to me for years, clattered to the ground; their clanging the beautiful sound of freedom in what represented Death’s valley. I’d wandered there like the ancient people of Israel, aimless and afraid, certain I’d discover a new route to hope only to realize these were my own worn, familiar tracks. 

The beautifully fashioned dreams of family life, motherhood, and who I’d be in the midst of it all were destroyed in one horrific moment. Nothing about my life would remain untouched. The harm done to me as a child now stretched its long, gruesome arm from the depths of the past and pulled me inexorably into its grip.

The pain. The darkness. The fear.

They were tangible. Real. But I spoke back to them because I knew they were weapons designed by an Enemy. I’d become acquainted with him long ago; the Shadow who’d tracked me since childhood. Scripture warns us about this thief whose purpose is to “steal and kill and destroy” (John 10:10 NLT), and I remembered him. This Enemy insinuated his way into my life as a young child and had wounded my spirit, but he could not have my soul. That was sealed by the Holy Spirit. 

While my heart quaked, I clung to a mere mustard seed of faith. The Spirit whispered words of truth when Fear rasped evil in my ear.

You’ve lost.

But from the depths of my soul, I recognized the voice of the Father: 

“I’ve already won. I Am your inheritance and nothing eternal can be taken from you.”

Hold Fast to Victory

Christ’s death and resurrection established the victory two thousand years ago. These were the attempts of a vanquished foe to create disquiet, discontent, and disillusionment in the heart of a Believer.

Both announcing the words to the Enemy and praying them aloud in agreement with the Father I said, “You’ve already lost and you will not win this battle, Satan.

Of course, the Enemy is tenacious. He refuses to easily give up an area of the Believer’s life to which he has laid a claim. For some of us, that may be worry, people pleasing, or gossip. Others may struggle with shame, emotional overeating, or self-loathing. There are a myriad of ways Satan will tempt us with old thoughts, habits, and patterns once we’ve been freed of them, but we can hold fast to God’s promise in 1 John 4:4 (NLT) which reassures us that “the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.”

No insult, assault, or abuse issued by the Deceiver is beyond the redemption or restoration of the Creator.

3 Action Steps to Walk in Freedom  

My walk toward freedom from a wounded spirit was a journey. As a child, I had few opportunities to escape except through prayer and my imagination—both gifts for which I’m grateful. As I matured, however, I realized it was necessary to step back into my pain in order to begin to heal from it.

For years I thought I could separate myself from the past. Bury it. Leave it behind.

Instead, the past haunted me. Invaded quiet moments with flashes of frightening memories. Crept into my sleeping hours with shouting figures and the sounds of shattering glass.

Follow the Shepherd

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. (John 14:6 NLT)

I had to choose to take the first step toward freedom. I had to follow the Shepherd. 

Whatever your journey to freedom from a wounded spirit involves, I know you aren’t alone. Hebrews 13:5 promises “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.” The suffering Savior knows your needs before you speak them, Friend. You can trust Him even when you feel as though you’re wandering through the wasteland because Jesus is the Way. 

While on the journey toward freedom, we’ll face detours, washed out roads, and distractions. At times, we’ll take our eyes off what lies ahead and glance one side or the other, squinting in the dark at an indistinguishable shadow or cowering at the sight of threatening clouds on the horizon. 

Overwhelm may settle thick in the back of the throat, its sour taste swelling and rising while we try to press it back. How are we to overcome that which surpasses us? We must simply be soul-steeped in Jesus; our hearts soaked in the Word and bathed in prayer. Then, we are equipped to stand, fight, or flee. Not only that, but we’ll be prepared to continue on this journey toward freedom from a wounded spirit.

Suit Up

Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. (Ephesians 6:11 NLT)

What, then, is the second step toward freedom? Suit up, warrior woman. You need your holy armor.

The journey toward freedom isn’t a sprint. While we may run swiftly at times, there are others during which we’ll hobble. Some days, our movement may seem imperceptible. We’ll stumble and cry out in pain. We may feel weak, weary, and worn. The path will be long and arduous. Christ didn’t mislead His followers when He told them, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NLT)

Press On

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:14 NLT)

One day, this journey will end at the throne room of heaven and “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Revelation 21:14) On that day, we will know complete freedom.  Until then, we must persevere as we step toward freedom by pressing on.

Freedom Once Found

Some may assume my chains weren’t weighted, but I felt their release. The heaviness was gone. The physical presence of Fear lifted. They dropped from me as if I’d been dragging prison chains behind me. I knew a freedom I couldn’t remember and, perhaps, had never known. While my spirit was scarred, it had healed from the wound.

What was I to do with such freedom once found?

Like the woman bent with shame who brushed the hem of Christ’s robe, I cannot hold back from sharing what Abba Father has done for me.

Why?

Because, Friend, El Roi is the God who sees your need. Your hurt. Your heart. Your wounded spirit. He is calling you to walk toward freedom, too. You won’t be alone for He is always with you; guiding, equipping, and leading until you are set free in and through Him.

This is the day to take one step on that journey. 

Peace and grace,

Tammy

3 Free Life Coaching Sessions

If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unable to make a change then reach out to Christian life coach, Tammy Kennington. She’ll offer you support and encouragement through prayer and authentic relationship as you seek God’s best for your life. The first three 30 minute sessions are FREE for the first seven who inquire. Note: Women only. Contact: Tammy.kennington@gmail.com

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