God First

Hello! This is Misha’s friend, Claire, here for a guest blog post about what’s on my mind today:

I’ve been learning healthier relationships are ones where neither are being sought after by the other in an effort to fulfill what only God can. Relationships with unhealthy dependencies often eventually implode as humans always end up letting each other down. The relationships we think will fix us never end up being enough. What we are all really looking for is the healing and love that can only come from God, our True Savior.

Seeking to heal parental wounds usually happens subconsciously…increasing our introspection can help us look at ourselves more objectively.

I’d recommend therapy and journaling to anyone. Trauma therapies such as EMDR can be used by God to radically rewire our brain’s go-to pathways. Learning about attachment styles explains a lot of our relationship issues.

I read something recently that said we are subconsciously attracted to people who confirm to us what we already believe. If deep down we believe we are worthless, it’s going to be super difficult to get away from an abuser or other toxic person. If we struggle with feeling unlovable, we end up treating people in ways that make them distance in order to “prove” what we believe about ourselves.

...And then God comes along and smashes our misbeliefs to bits!

As Misha has shared, she is both following and seeking after Jesus AND going to therapy. This is the double-punch often needed to grow in maturity as a Christian. I hope and pray Misha’s sharing inspires others to jump onto their own Healing Path with Jesus as their Guide!

As we grow in Him we come to learn more and more that we were made in His image, are ridiculously loved, Jesus paid it all, and instead of just having to go along with how we’ve always been, we begin to transform through His renewal of our minds. Jesus is our Healer and invites us into ‘On Earth as it is in Heaven’ transformations. 🙌🏻

“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.". 2 Corinthians 5:17

Just as much as no one else can be our Savior apart from Christ we also cannot be Savior to anyone else. The best we can do is seek Christ above all others and encourage others to do the same. By attempting to stand in the place of Savior we sometimes unintentionally end up blocking people from getting to a place where they realize their need and turn to Christ. In the 12-step program they call this getting to rock bottom. In our efforts to help we may want to consider if we are making it easier for people to keep going along without turning to God.

Jesus above all else and then people. Everything works so much better when we are able to experientially learn this truth through Jesus Christ. 🙏🏻

Lord, help all those who will read this to accept and shine Your love. Help us to turn away from the idolatry of looking to others to fulfill us and instead chase after You with everything we have. Bless us with healthy relationships that honor You.

Heal the misbeliefs that have been instilled in us through trauma and how others have mistreated us. Show us each our next step towards healing and give us the chutzpah to follow through. Take us by the hand and lead us on the path You have set for us to grow in You.

Help us to trust You with our unsaved and struggling loved ones. Show us when to do and when to let go and let You. Give us Your gentleness, kindness, and patience for ourselves and for others. You are first in our hearts…help us each day to put You first in our hearts.

We love You! Amen.