Set Free

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

2 Corinthians 3:17 ESV

Perhaps you are familiar with the beautiful hymn, Just As I Am. The words of that song have edified believers for over 100 years. The woman who penned those remarkable lyrics was Charlotte Elliott, who lived during the 18^th century. 

Charlotte was a well-known portrait artist and writer. However, when a serious ailment overtook her at the age of thirty, she became an invalid for life. Charlotte fell into a deep depression. 

Maybe you can relate.

Perhaps you’ve been through low seasons like that, too. Maybe you’ve faced inexplicable relationship issues with someone you trusted. Perhaps you have been down a hard road after a cancer diagnosis. Perhaps you’ve lost a child, gone before her time. Depression can sneak in when you’re facing something so deep. And who could blame you? These things can seem so unfair!

Overcome with sadness and grief, Charlotte settled into her depression, wearing it like an article of clothing. It became a part of her identity. 

One day she received a visit from a well-known Swiss evangelist, Dr. Caesar Malan. He definitely picked up on her depression and distress. And he used a phrase that she would later add to the song when he said, “Charlotte you must come just as you are—a sinner—to the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.”

A Word in Due Season

His words shook her to the core and radically changed her thinking. She experienced inner peace and joy as she’d never known before. And she used this as a catalyst to write a song that has changed the hearts of millions. (Can you even imagine how many have walk the aisle to the altar with these words playing in the background?) 

Charlotte’s story is nothing short of supernatural. And He will do the same for you. No matter where you find yourself today, God will meet you there. Just as you are—messy hair, messy situations, messy life. He doesn’t care about any of that. But He does care about you. Deeply. Totally. Completely. And He loves you too much to leave you there. 

Challenging Thought: Have you ever fallen into the pits of despair? If so, how did you climb out?

Read more devotions like this one in a new book Janice co-authored with Louise Looney titled An Overcoming Walk of Peaks and Valleys, now available on Amazon!