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Breaking Free: Worshiping God in Freedom, Not Fear

Despite my revelation to not let emotions guide my prayer life, I found myself unable to rekindle the same joy and fervor in prayer as before. It was baffling. Why, after understanding this truth, was I still struggling?

Today, I managed to complete half my prayer during the day, but the second half seemed impossible to begin.

As the hours slipped by and the last hour of the day arrived, I couldn’t shake the thought: What is causing this resistance?

Suddenly, a realization dawned on me: I am praying only because I am afraid to go back to my old way of living. 

It was fear, not love, driving my actions—fear of punishment if I didn’t do the “right” things.

A Truth That Sets You Free
In that moment of clarity, I remembered a powerful promises that "Everything is freely given to those who believe."

If this new way of living is an eternal gift that no one can snatch away, would I still pray?

The answer was a resounding yes. Because God is so wonderful, so worthy of love, I can’t help but worship Him — not out of fear, but out of gratitude and awe.

When this truth sank in, it was as if a weight lifted off my shoulders. 

I prayed a binding and casting-out prayer over the spirit of fear, and something remarkable happened: I felt sensations over my body, as if something was being released.

Worship Born of Freedom
This experience reminded me of a profound truth: worship must come from free will, not the fear of punishment. When we approach God with hearts full of love rather than dread, prayer transforms into a joyful act of communion.

That night, I restarted my prayers with a renewed spirit. I prayed aloud instead of in my mind, no longer shackled by fear. It was liberating to worship freely again.

The Subtle Blockages
What I learned through this struggle is how subtle spiritual blockages can be. When fear or other spirits inhibit your prayer life, you feel limited, confused, and disconnected. That’s why we must be vigilant about our thoughts and fears.

Instead of letting them stew, offer them to God. Bring every worry, doubt, and fear to His feet, trusting in His ability to heal and restore.

The Power of the Word of God
Why we are told to be rooted in the Scriptures became so clear to me.

Though I didn’t recall the exact verses, the message of God’s Word was what pulled me out of this dark period which lasted about a week.

It reminded me of the freedom and love found in Him. 

This realization has inspired me to immerse myself more deeply in Scripture, so its truth becomes an unshakable foundation in my life.


A Question of the Heart
God never takes back His blessings, but our approach to worship reveals the state of our hearts. 

Do we pray and worship because of who God is, or because of what He gives?

When blessings are guaranteed and fear is removed, will we still choose to worship?

For me, the answer is yes. Not because I have to, but because I get to. Because God is good, and His love compels me to draw near.


If you’re struggling with dryness, fear, or confusion in your prayer life, take heart. Offer those struggles to God. Let Him show you the freedom of worshiping from a place of love. 

There’s nothing He can’t fix, no burden He can’t lift.

And when that freedom comes, prayer will no longer feel like an obligation. It will be a joyful response to the God who freely gives us all things.

---
4 Jan 2025

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