Are you feeling tangled up?
We may find ourselves enmeshed in difficult relationships, interpersonal dynamics at work and church, unhealthy commitments, and so much more. When this happens, things can become “knotted” in our lives.
We can feel tangled up inside as well. Complex emotions, historical or generational trauma, and the stress of life can render our thoughts a mess. When we’re enmired in this kind of inner turmoil, it can hamper our effectiveness as present co-laborers with Christ. It can also affect our relationships and how we show up with people—whether as a friend, parent, child, coworker, or any other role.
When we make the valiant effort to untangle the knots in our lives, it often results in more favorable outcomes. But sometimes, in our narrow human view, we find ourselves pulling at the wrong knot. We may think we’re solving the problem when, in fact, we’re not.
For example, we may think our problem is purely physical when it’s rooted in the spiritual. Or we assume the struggle is spiritual when it’s actually the result of the choices we’re making. We may commit to breaking a habit without addressing the reason we fell into it in the first place, leaving us prone to developing similar habits again.
Much like a matted mess of tousled strings, if we pull at the wrong one too hard for too long, trying to unravel it all, we can accidentally tangle those cords into a tighter knot.
But there is someone who truly knows how all those strings connect—our Heavenly Father!
This week, we encourage you to lay the parts of life that feel hopelessly knotted at the Father’s feet. Be honest with Him about what feels too tight and what you can’t seem to straighten out.
Then, through prayer and supplication, begin to untangle those knots with the Lord’s leading. This may require active steps like counseling, lifestyle and habit changes, boundary-setting, and so forth. Or you may find Christ is calling you to a season of stillness, to meditate on Scripture, and work through mental and emotional entanglements that need to be surrendered and healed.
Wherever he leads, it’s crucial that you follow—that we all follow. None of us have the wisdom and understanding of our Savior or the depth of knowledge to navigate this difficult life.
Only by following God’s leading and becoming more like Him will we truly be set free from whatever holds us bondage.
