“What other dungeon is so dark as one’s own heart?  What jailer so inexorable as one’s self?” -Nathaniel Hawthorne

“We are told that the truth will set us free, but for many the truth makes them a prisoner to their past, for that which is hidden and locked within their minds and hearts removes the power of truth.  There is great power in truth, but some hearts are such dark dungeons that the words of truth will not penetrate and will not free them.  

John 8:32 states, ‘And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’  Truth needs to be recognized, accepted, and applied, but the light of truth does not always easily penetrate the darkness of the heart.  Many make themselves captive and keep themselves prisoners for they cannot find the path to forgiveness.  The punishment we can place on ourselves is often far worse that what others would render, and without forgiveness there is no pardon and no end to the punishment rendered upon self. 

The dark things of the heart cast a far-reaching shadow that can cause us to lose hope and to refuse hope.  There is a place darker than any dungeon, and this place of the heart where no words can move us from our own despair and self-contempt is a place not easily escaped from.  Hearts that do not heal, minds tormented by guilt without forgiveness destroy the hope that is found in truth when truth is seen and heard. 

It can be easier to forgive others that to forgive ourselves, but without forgiveness our minds will be a jailer that no words can move to pardon and release.  There is a truth that proclaims liberty to all and sets the captives free, but this truth must be recognized, accepted and applied.  May the Lord lead everyone hurting this day to the truth found in Him and His beloved Son.”