Codependency Support
QUESTION: What does the Bible say about codependency support?ANSWER:The Bible provides words of strength, guidance, and healing for those living a roller coaster life of codependency and seeking codependency support. We wonder how, when, or why we've become entangled in unhealthy relationships. Speaking from experience, I can say it's usually due to misplaced focus in our lives. I can testify that submitting to Christ is the absolute answer.
Commonly as codependents, our focus is not on Christ's will for our lives. But instead we look only at our own will or to others for our fulfillment. Of course, we all need human relationships, companionships, and desire acceptance. But Jesus tells us if we seek Him first and His righteousness, these other things will be added to us (Matthew 6:33).
Our ultimate dependency needs to be on God alone and His righteousness! Trusting God to be our rock, salvation, and provider changes our entire outlook on life. No longer are we held captive by hurtful treatment from others. We are freed to follow an unchanging, protecting, loving God.
Psalm 62:7-8 says, "My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge."
The Lord says in Jeremiah17: 5, "Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who depends on flesh for his strength and whose heart turns away from the LORD."
In this story in Jeremiah, there are two kinds of people compared -- the wicked and the righteous. In times of trouble the wicked are already fallen and spiritually weak, so they have no strength to draw on. The righteous have God-given abundant strength and in times of crisis will have enough to share with others. (i.e. Our dependent loved ones.) He can also enable us to have the strength to implement tough love if needed.
Christ Jesus can heal relationships and redirect our paths toward healthy ones. Have confidence that by trusting Christ, we have stability and His assurances. In giving charge of our lives to Him, we are given His favor; He will be our solid foundation and will never leave us or desert us. And we must learn to let go of control, trusting that He holds our loved ones in His hands as well.
Too many times we turn to God as the last resort; He should be the first place we turn in all things. Prayer is our communication with the Lord, and we are to come "boldly unto the throne of grace." Come with reverence, for He is our Savior. Come with bold assurance, He is our friend and counselor. "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:16, KJV).
