What Does God’s Amazing Grace Really Cover? Freedom From Fear, Shame, and Anxiety

I have been singing Amazing Grace for so long that I could probably sing it backward. And I get it, or at least I thought I got it. Jesus paid the ultimate price. God became flesh and took on our sin even though he is the only person to never sin. Colossians 2:13-14 tells us, “You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross.” (NLT) I have been well aware and beyond grateful that God’s marvelous grace and mercy has covered my sins that come from arrogance, pride, selfishness, low self confidence, and worldly desires. 

“Amazing Grace” is a powerful reminder of the gift of redemption that we did not earn, but the other morning God revealed something to me in these lyrics (He is really good at showing us something new if we are open to it).  I was doing my Sing Daily Devo - a daily devotional that includes a worship song and Bible reading by Shane and Shane and the Worship Initiative, and “Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone)” was the song for the day. As always, I was reflecting on just how amazing his grace is, and how I have been set free, “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death.” Romans 8:2 Then, the new(ish) chorus began and God opened my eyes to the fact that the chains of bondage are not just our sins weighing us down, but our fears, anxiety, and intrusive thoughts. As I began to realize this, I also felt a new feeling of freedom that can only come from the love of a savior who loves us more than we can ever imagine. 

I am an over-thinker. I can spend too much time thinking about how I could have handled a situation better, how I could have responded in a more eloquent way, and what other people think of me and my actions (because I am a mindreader obviously). Those are chains! I feel shame based on judgement/opinions from others. Chains! I am a people pleaser and look for validation from others. Again, these are chains that have been broken by God’s grace! “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on us in all wisdom and insight.” Ephesians 1:7-8.

So, how do we embrace this gift and live in freedom? Like Paul tells us in Philippians, “Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable, Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” Some lovely things that I can think of are snuggling with puppies, reading a great book, and spending time with like minded friends who love Jesus, and therefore, love me well. Something honorable, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and worthy of praise, is meditating on God’s Word.  Here are just a few verses that back up the lyrics to Amazing Grace and remind us of our freedom.

“Oh let those who fear the Lord say, ‘His lovingkindness is everlasting.” Psalm 118:4 

Do Not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 

“so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 2:7

 “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 

“After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” 1 Peter 5:10 

What beautiful reassurance we have in His Word that we are not meant to be living our lives in chains. Instead immerse yourselves in Him, and keep your hearts open for Him to show you something new from something classic and familiar.

Jamie

Jamie Wolfe

Jamie is a wife, mother of 2 busy guys (Colby and Colin), and a high school English teacher. The Lord has been leading and growing her in so many ways that she can’t help but want to share that with others. She has a heart for people, and wants each person to know how loved and cherished they are by our Creator. She hopes to instill that in others by encouraging and loving them in a way that reflects the light of Christ.