Love Should Feel Like Freedom, Not a Cage

In many marriages today, there are partners who are being controlled—not with fists, but with manipulation, fear, guilt, and silence. It’s a prison that doesn’t have bars, but its effects are just as real. And tragically, the person inside often doesn’t even realize they’re caged... or worse, they’ve chosen to close their eyes.

The Silent Cage

Some marriages look perfect from the outside. But behind closed doors, there is one partner who:

Decides where you go, what you wear, and who you talk to.

Constantly belittles your opinions, dreams, and feelings.

Uses guilt to keep you obedient, or the Bible to silence your voice.

Makes you feel like everything is your fault.

Gives you "just enough love" to keep you hoping, while slowly draining your soul.

This is not love. This is emotional abuse.

And emotional abuse is still abuse.

You Are Not Wrong for Wanting Freedom

You may ask yourself:

"Am I wrong for being kind?"

"Was I too loving?"

"Is it me?"

No, it’s not you. Real love does not make you feel small, stuck, or scared. The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 3:17,

> “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”

If there is no freedom, the Spirit of God is being pushed out of your home.

Open Your Eyes, Dear Heart

It’s time to stop excusing their behavior.

It’s time to stop saying, “It’s not that bad.”

It’s time to stop blaming yourself.

Controlling spouses are often very charming to outsiders. But you see the truth—if not clearly, then deeply. And God sees it too.

The enemy wants you to stay silent and confused, but God wants to bring light and clarity.

> “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” — John 8:32

You Are Not Alone

Many women and men are in the same battle. You are not crazy. You are not imagining it. And you are not alone.

Here’s what you can do:

1. Pray for strength and clarity. God will open your eyes.

2. Talk to someone safe—a counselor, pastor, or friend.

3. Learn about emotional abuse. Knowledge is power.

4. Refuse to carry guilt that is not yours.

Freedom starts the moment you recognize the cage.

💔 If Love Feels Like a Cage, It’s Not Love.

God’s love lifts, protects, and sets free.

Don’t stay in bondage because of fear or shame.

Your peace, your voice, and your life matter.

📖 “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.”

— Galatians 5:1

✨ “They will fight against you, but they shall not prevail.”

🛡️ You Are Not Alone.

In life, we all face opposition.

Sometimes it comes from people, sometimes from life’s challenges, and sometimes from within ourselves. It can feel like everything is pushing against you.

But God has already spoken:

> “They will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you. For I am with you,” says the Lord, “to deliver you.” – Jeremiah 1:19

This isn’t just a verse — it’s a promise.

🔥 When You’re Under Attack...

Emotionally exhausted?

Spiritually dry?

Physically drained or stuck in a hard place?

Remember:

No matter how fierce the battle, the outcome is already written — “they shall not prevail.”

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🙏 Let This Be Your Reminder Today:

✅ God sees your struggle.

✅ He knows your name.

✅ He has a plan to deliver you.

✅ And no attack — spiritual, emotional, or physical — can succeed against His purpose for your life.

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💬 Need prayer or encouragement?

📖 Read more at imbelieving.blogspot.com

🗣️ Share this with someone who needs strength today.

💛 Relationship, Not Religion

Many people know about God — but don’t know Him.

They go to church, read Bible verses, and try to be “good” — yet still feel far from Him.

But God is not looking for religion.

He wants relationship.

> James 4:8

“Come near to God and He will come near to you.”

A relationship with God is like any other close friendship:

You talk to Him (prayer)

You listen to Him (through His Word)

You trust Him

You walk with Him daily

It’s not about being perfect.

It’s about being connected. Being honest. Being with Him.

> Revelation 3:20

“I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in...”

God is not distant.

He’s right there — knocking.

Waiting for you to open your heart.

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🕊️ A Simple Prayer:

> “Lord, I want to know You — not just about You. Draw me close. I open my heart to You. Walk with me, speak to me, change me. Amen.”

Higher Ways for a Higher Month – July with Isaiah 55:9

As we step into July—the seventh month of the year—we are reminded that seven symbolizes completion and spiritual perfection in biblical numerology. It’s a powerful point in the year to reflect, realign, and rise.

The Word of God in Isaiah 55:9 says:

> "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts."

This is a divine reminder that while we plan, strive, and try to make sense of our lives, God is already operating on a higher plane. His vision is broader. His intentions are purer. His outcomes are far better than anything we can imagine.

What does this mean for us this July?

Trust more, stress less. God is not limited by our limitations.

Align your goals with heaven’s priorities. Seek His wisdom before rushing into decisions.

Rest in His timing. Delays are not denials; they are divine recalibrations.

Think higher. Let your mindset reflect faith, not fear.

Let July be the month you surrender your thoughts and ways to God’s higher plan. Let His Word be your anchor, especially when things feel uncertain. In this mid-point of the year, dare to believe again—and walk in His higher ways.

You are not behind. You are in His hands.

Happy July! 🌿

#ImBelieving #Isaiah55:9 #JulyReflections #HigherWays

📖 The Righteous Are Delivered — But Are You Righteous?

The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all.”

— Psalm 34:19, NIV

We love quoting the second part of this verse —

"the Lord delivers him from them all."

It gives us hope, especially in times of trouble.

But let's not miss the beginning:

“The righteous person...”

Who does God deliver? The righteous.

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✝️ Righteousness Is Not Perfection

Righteousness isn’t about being perfect.

It’s about being in right standing with God:

Walking in obedience

Turning away from sin

Loving others

Living humbly and truthfully

We all want answers from God.

But are we harboring unforgiveness?

Are we holding grudges?

You may never forget what someone did to you — but you can forgive.

Forgiveness isn’t forgetting; it’s letting go so God can move on your behalf.

> “But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”

— Matthew 6:15

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🔥 Examples of Righteous Deliverance

Look at these powerful stories:

✅ Shadrach, Meshach & Abednego —

They refused to bow to idols.

God delivered them from the fiery furnace without a single burn.

(Daniel 3)

✅ Daniel —

He chose to remain faithful in prayer, even when it was outlawed.

God shut the mouths of lions in the den.

(Daniel 6)

✅ Joseph —

Though betrayed and wrongly imprisoned, he stayed righteous.

God raised him up to lead a nation.

(Genesis 37–50)

> Their deliverance was not because of luck —

It was because of righteousness.

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🙏🏽 Examine Your Heart

Before crying out to God, let’s ask:

Am I walking in righteousness?

Am I forgiving others?

Am I obeying God fully?

> “If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.”

— Psalm 66:18

God’s deliverance is real and powerful,

but it’s reserved for those who walk uprightly before Him.

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📌 Final Word

God is faithful to deliver the righteous — not just sometimes, but from all their troubles.

Let’s choose to live in a way that honors Him — not just with words, but with a clean heart and a forgiving spirit.

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💬 Share this post if it blessed you. And if you need prayer or help walking in righteousness, feel free to reach out.

🙏🏽 Stay encouraged — keep believing.