How can believers avoid the "chains of affliction" mentioned in Psalm 107:10?

The Warning in Psalm 107:10-12

“Some sat in darkness and the shadow of death, prisoners in affliction and chains, because they had rebelled against the words of God and despised the counsel of the Most High.” (Psalm 107:10-11)

• Chains of affliction come on those who rebel against God’s Word and reject His counsel.

• Darkness, bondage, and misery are the inevitable fruit of willful disobedience (cf. Proverbs 13:13; Isaiah 1:19-20).

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Essential Steps to Avoid the Chains

1. Honor God’s Word Daily

• “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105)

• Make Scripture the final authority—read, meditate, and obey (James 1:22-25).

2. Embrace Humble Submission

• “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6)

• Yield every known area of life to Christ’s Lordship; pride breeds chains.

3. Respond Quickly to Conviction

• “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us.” (1 John 1:9)

• Soft hearts keep short accounts with God; delayed repentance lengthens bondage.

4. Seek God in Earnest Prayer

• The prisoners “cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and He saved them.” (Psalm 107:13)

• Regular, sincere prayer invites God’s delivering power into present struggles.

5. Walk in the Light of Truth

• “If you continue in My word… you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32)

• Truth exposes lies that forge chains; living honestly before God and people dismantles them.

6. Cultivate Thankful Praise

• “Let them give thanks to the LORD for His loving devotion… He has shattered the bronze gates and cut through the bars of iron.” (Psalm 107:15-16)

• Praise keeps the focus on God’s power, reminding the soul that chains are breakable.

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Staying Free: A Lifestyle, Not a Moment

• Maintain fellowship with other believers who spur you on to love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24-25).

• Guard against compromise; small acts of rebellion re-forge broken chains (Galatians 5:1).

• Celebrate testimonies of God’s past deliverances to build faith for present battles (Psalm 103:2-5).

Remaining attentive, obedient, and grateful keeps believers walking in the freedom Christ secured—far from the chains of affliction Psalm 107 warns against.