I Left It In The River (Left It In The River)

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:36 (NIV)

I was baptized when I was 21 years old. I came from a pretty rough past. My parents divorced when I was little. I was in and out of group homes. I struggled with drugs and alcohol. I was a high school dropout. By the time I fully surrendered my life to Jesus, there was a lot to leave behind.

I came out of that water, and the first breath I inhaled just felt like the most glorious freedom I’d ever tasted. That moment marked the beginning of a transformation only the Lord could do. I was so grateful to be a brand-new person. That day, my best friend and I ran circles around the lake, laughing, tears of joy filling our eyes.

I really wanted a song to portray that feeling, and so, many years later, I finally have an anthem. It’s called “Left It In The River.” This song is really all about my born-again experience. It’s about what happens when you finally lay it down — the shame, the striving, the weight you were never meant to carry — and you leave it all behind.

My prayer is that this song becomes your anthem of joy, renewal, and freedom. Lately, I’ve been seeing so many of your baptism posts using this song, and wow, my heart is so encouraged. Watching lives renewed and hearts changed is the most beautiful thing.

I know from experience that when you’ve lived in sin for so long, though, it can be hard to let go of the past, forgive yourself, and seek forgiveness from others. It’s difficult to train your heart and mind to make different — better — choices that are in line with God’s Word.

In my own journey, I’ve discovered three disciplines that have helped me stay true to the new person God’s called me to be. For me, journaling, reading Scripture, and cultivating community have helped me keep my eyes on Jesus and my heart in tune with His.

Over the next few days, I’d love to share more about how these habits have transformed my relationship with the Lord in the hopes that you can make some of these rhythms your own. I think you’ll be amazed at how God will use them to refine your character and shape your faith.