Divided Loyalty Revealing The Whole Truth

We often feel awkward about bringing our recurring sins before God.  We are embarrassed by the number of times we have had to deal with the same issues – those things that we don’t want to do, yet keep doing over and over again.  What is going on?  Why can’t we beat those things that cause trouble in our lives and also in the lives of those we love?  What will it take for us to find solid ground on which to build a firm and lasting recovery?

Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.  (Galatians 5:1 NKJV) 

The slogan, “If nothing changes, nothing changes”, is true.  When we find ourselves coming back from the “same old failure” we need to admit whether we stayed with the necessary lifestyle changes we agreed to make, or are refusing to disclose, the enduring pain we hold on to which might be feeding our recurring actions.  

So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you.  Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor. (James 4:7-8, 10 NLT)

If we sincerely desire freedom from our dependency, God will help us find it.

Prayer:  Gracious God, I do not just want to talk about what has happened in my life but to repent and turn away from my destructive behavior.  Please give me the courage to be honest and to confess those memories or situations that still cause me anxiety.  Where I see my dependency as relief, help me to see it as an enemy of my survival. In every situation, I look to You for healing.  I also ask for strength and determination to accept the things I cannot change and the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to follow Your ways with an undivided heart. Amen

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