A while back, we watched a movie called Firelight. It was a really good movie about a program that helped young women believe in themselves by training them to become firefighters while in prison. This program didn’t just teach them a skill—it transformed their mindset. It helped them realize that their past mistakes didn’t define them, and they could leave behind the person they once were. By doing so, they could re-enter society with confidence, ready to give back.
This idea struck me deeply because it’s not just the women in that movie who need freedom. Do you realize that you don’t have to be behind bars to actually be a prisoner? Think about it—are you controlled by your fears, doubts, or the memories of your past? If you are, then you too are a prisoner.
I’ve been there. I know what it’s like to feel like you’re trapped, not by physical walls, but by the prison inside your own mind. For years, I lived in that prison, bound by addiction, self-doubt, and the shame of my past. I was a prisoner to the lies I told myself and the destructive habits I couldn’t break free from.
Our minds are powerful. They can either hold us back or set us free. We can create amazing things in our minds—dreams, ideas, plans—or we can use our past failures and mistakes to build a prison that holds us captive.
The Prison of the Mind
Many people grow older but few actually own their own mind. When we come to Christ, we are supposed to be a new creation, with the old gone and the new here. 2 Corinthians 5:17 reminds us: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” But are we living out that newness? Are we truly washed clean, or are we still holding on to our past?
I know from personal experience how easy it is to get trapped in the mindset of who you once were. For years, I couldn’t shake the feeling that my past would always define me. But that’s the lie I believed. I didn’t realize that the real freedom came when I let go of the chains in my mind. I had to surrender my fears, my regrets, and my addiction to God. And once I did, He transformed my thinking.
Don’t let who you used to be stop you from being who you are today, and don’t let who you are today stop you from becoming who God called you to be tomorrow. The journey of growth never ends. We are either growing or we are dying—there is no such thing as stagnation. If you think you’re coasting, you’re actually already going downhill because you can only coast downhill.
The Power of Freedom
When we are prisoners in our minds, we are no better off than someone physically imprisoned. You might think, “But I have my freedom. I can go wherever I want.” But in reality, you don’t have true freedom if your mind is still in chains. Freedom only comes to those who choose to break free from the mental prisons we create for ourselves. We are either prisoners of our own fears, doubts, and past mistakes, or we are free to live the life God designed for us.
There are many people who are physically imprisoned but have found freedom in their hearts and minds. I’ve seen it in people who’ve turned their lives around after addiction, after incarceration, after any number of struggles. Those who break free in their minds are the ones who, when they get out, will live the life God has called them to live.
Freedom doesn’t come cheap. It requires intentional effort, surrender, and sacrifice. You must be willing to pay any price to keep your freedom in your mind, because the only thing man can’t take from you is your freedom to think for yourself.
Does this mean that when we think for ourselves, we get a perfect life? Absolutely not! Even Jesus, who lived a perfect life, told us that we would face trials. In John 16:33, He said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Christ lived the perfect life so that we didn’t have to—and when we place our trust in Him, He gives us the strength to overcome.
The Freedom Found in Christ
There’s a misconception that following Christ means we lose our ability to think for ourselves, but that’s far from the truth. When I started reading the Bible, it came alive in a way I never expected. It wasn’t just a list of rules—it was a guide to freedom. God didn’t give us His Word to restrict us; He gave it to protect us from the very things that enslave us. The things the Bible talks about—money, addiction, pride, anger—those are the very things that can become prisons if we let them. But God’s Word shows us how to live free from those prisons.
Romans 8:1-2 says, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.” This is the truth that transformed my life—the realization that I was no longer bound by my past. I am free because of Jesus.
The Prison of Addiction
I know what it’s like to feel hopeless, to believe the lie that my addiction would define me forever. I spent 19 years addicted to drugs and alcohol, thinking I could never escape. But when I finally surrendered to God, He showed me a different way. Addiction is one of the most powerful prisons of the mind, but it doesn’t have to be the end of your story.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, nearly 21 million Americans suffer from addiction, but more than half don’t seek treatment. Addiction doesn’t just affect the body—it enslaves the mind, making you believe you can’t break free. But the truth is, with God’s help, you can. And you don’t have to be a prisoner any longer.
Break Free Today
Decide today that you are going to live in freedom. Don’t let your past, your addiction, or your fears hold you back any longer. The prison is only as strong as the lies you believe. When you choose to trust in Christ and surrender your thoughts to Him, He will clear the clutter in your mind and give you the freedom to live out His purpose for your life.
If you’ve been holding on to your past, it’s time to let go. Ask Christ to cleanse you—not just from your sins, but from the mindsets that keep you trapped. Ask Him to show you how to live with this new attitude of freedom. Romans 12:2 encourages us: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Allow your mind to be renewed and your life to be transformed.
Sometimes, breaking free from the prison of addiction or mental struggles requires more than just prayer—it may also involve seeking professional help. God works through many different avenues to bring healing, and sometimes that means turning to programs like AA, Celebrate Recovery, or treatment centers. These are not signs of weakness but acts of courage and wisdom. God doesn’t only heal in miraculous ways; He also uses counselors, support groups, and treatment programs to guide us to freedom. Remember, seeking help is not a lack of faith, but a step of obedience and trust that God will use these tools to restore you.
Lessons and Reflections
- The Mind is Powerful: Your mind can either keep you bound or set you free. The thoughts you choose to believe will shape your life. Take control of your thoughts and surrender them to Christ.
- Freedom Requires Surrender: True freedom doesn’t come from striving or willpower—it comes from surrendering to God’s will and trusting Him to lead you.
- You Are a New Creation: Your past doesn’t define you. When you come to Christ, you are made new. Let go of old patterns of thinking and embrace the freedom that God offers.
- The Journey is Ongoing: Freedom is a process. There may be moments when old habits or fears try to creep in, but remember: you have the power to overcome them through Christ.
Call to Action
If you’re ready to break free from the prison of your mind, I encourage you to take that first step today. Ask Christ into your life or rededicate your life back to Him . Ask Him to cleanse you, renew your mind, and help you live in the freedom He’s already given you. And remember, you don’t have to do it alone. If you’re struggling with addiction, mental health, or past trauma, don’t hesitate to reach out to programs like AA, Celebrate Recovery, or a treatment center. God can use these resources to guide you toward healing, just as He can use His Word to transform your life. I’m here to walk with you on this journey, and together, we can embrace the life God has called us to live.
Living a God-Inspired Life
Chris