“A time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away.”
– Ecclesiastes 3:6
Did you know on July 8, 1776, the first public readings of the Declaration were held in Philadelphia’s Independence Square to the ringing of bells and band music? A year later, on July 4, 1777, Philadelphia marked Independence Day by adjourning Congress and celebrating with bonfires, bells and fireworks. Now Independence Day is celebrated as one of our major summer holidays.1 A catalyst that was a link in the chain of events leading to the move for independence of the 13 colonies from Great Britain was Parliament deciding to tax its American colonies. Colonial assemblies denounced the law claiming the tax was illegal and burdensome on the grounds that they had no representation in Parliament, leading to the creation of the slogan, “no taxation without representation.” What is burdening you that you want to declare independence from? That’s the theme of this month’s series and the question posed to a handful of persons.
This week, I will present two Declarations. Due to the transparency and candidness of the responses, respondents are being identified by a pseudonym.
I want to declare my independence from dependence on people and more dependence on Jesus. I find that when I solely depend on Jesus, everything works out – everything!
– Captain of My Soul
I want independence from second guessing myself. I want to stop trying to figure out if I had a hand in the ridiculous actions of others. This season has been the precursor for just that. I also deal with a lot when it comes to my family especially times when they hurt my mother’s feelings and I then feel like I have to step in and chastise them. Moving forward, my declaration of independence is to focus more on God, to pray intentionally before making a move, seek God first in everything and pray for Jesus to fix it!
– #Putting God First
Beloved, there comes a time in everyone’s life where we must make the decision to surrender our burdens to God. The Apostle Peter encouraged us to cast all of our cares upon God for God truly cares for us! (1 Peter 5:7.) Pray for strength to step out in faith and declare your independence by letting go and letting God!
Source:
1 Library of Congress, “Magna Carta: Muse and Mentor,” at: https://www.loc.gov/exhibits/magna-carta-muse-and-mentor/no-taxation-without-representation.html
Next Week: Series Continuation
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