Imagine, for a moment, that you are an Israelite living in Old Testament times.  You have been anticipating this day for many years. 

A trumpet begins to blow on the 10^th day of the 7^th month, and your heart beats a little faster.  The Year of Jubilee has finally arrived . . . and that means you are finally going to be free! 

Perhaps you read this and sigh, “I wish I could have a Jubilee Year right now.”  No more credit card debt.  Your car and house paid off.  No longer a slave, you are free to go where you wish. 

I’m actually writing this Faith Fact at the beginning of a new year.  You might not have stumbled across this article until many months later.  But that doesn’t matter.  For you and me, if we have given our lives to Jesus Christ, every day can be a Jubilee Year.  Psalm 103:12 declares: 

“He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west” (NLT). 

Isaiah 43:25 adds this: 

“It is I who sweep away your transgressions for My own sake and remember your sins no more” (HCSB). 

Your weaknesses, insecurities, missteps –  and yes, even your sins – are forgiven by Jesus as you bring them to Him and admit your wrongdoings and your need of a Savior.  That is wonderful, but today’s Jubilee Year holds even more in store for believers.  For example, your depression need no longer be your master.  You can be set free.  As you learn God’s promises for you and begin to put them into practice, the power of God makes it possible to live an abundant life.  You will be able to live above your depression and learn not to listen to the negative thoughts and emotions. 

In John 8:36, Jesus directs these words to YOU: 

“Therefore, if the Son sets you free, you really will be free” (HCSB). 

In other words, you can be free starting today!  Credit card payments still have to be made and you still need to be prudent financially.  But spiritually, where true freedom counts the most, God offers you a Jubilee Year.  Take a moment to thank God for loving you and freeing you from sin.  And decide to take the first step down the path to freedom from depression.