Live by God's promises, not by the law

Galatians 3:13-14, 17-18, 21-22
13Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree"— 14so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.
17This is what I mean: the law, which came 430 years afterward, does not annul a covenant previously ratified by God, so as to make the promise void. 18For if the inheritance comes by the law, it no longer comes by promise; but God gave it to Abraham by a promise.
21Is the law then contrary to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a law had been given that could give life, then righteousness would indeed be by the law. 22But the Scripture imprisoned everything under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.

Paul clearly explains the difference between the law and the promise. Those who know God's commandments and the Book of the Law tend to place justification in those laws. I think mankind's fallen state drives us to look for works and evidences of our works to edify ourselves and others. However, God clearly wants to free us from this bondage of justification by works. The truth is, none of us will ever be holy by our works or by following the law. Only Jesus was able to completely follow the law and be pure and holy. Then, he was offered up as a righteous sacrifice to pay for all the sins, all the faults, of mankind. He took the curse of the law upon Himself even though He was free originally from this curse because He was upright and holy His whole life. To satisfy the wrath of God and release God's promise to Abraham to all the nations, Jesus took the curse and wrath upon Himself and then He conquered the power of sin and death by being resurrected. God had promised Abraham that he would be a blessing to all nations. The law came after the promise to ensure that the promise would be kept. Even though mankind cannot completely follow the law, God is able to keep His promise.

What promises has God given me? What laws am I making myself follow? Those laws are keeping me from God's freedom. I haven't been keeping up with my devotions and the thought of how I'm failing at this really made it hard for me to start doing them again. This little law I made for myself was getting the best of me. Devotions are not things that God requires me to do. Devotions are things I get to do with God. God has promised me that if I seek Him, I will find Him (Deut. 4:29). I've also been imprisoning myself with the burden of keeping the house in order. God has promised me that if I put Him first, then all things will be added to me (Matt. 6:33). I've been feeling so sapped of joy because I've been laboring with my own effort. God promises that if I come to Him weary then He will give me rest (Matt. 11:28). I need to stop trying and rest in God's promises. When I try to do things on my own, I'm refusing Jesus' sacrifice and victory.

Heavenly Father, thank You so much for this time in Your word. Please forgive me for trying to do it all on my own. I love You so much and can do nothing of eternal value apart from You. Release me from my own laws and bondage to abide in Your will. I ask for You to take control of my life once again. Jesus, thank You for overcoming the curse of the law so that I may have freedom and abundant life. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen.