Codependency is Not Healthy
Key Verse to Read and Treasure
It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes (Psalm 118:8-9, NKJV)
For Insight
The Israelites experienced failure by depending on self. Through the prophet Hosea, God told the Israelites they were reaping His iniquity because they had trusted in their own way and in the multitude of their warriors instead of depending on Him. Just like we do, this is a lesson they had to learn again and again.
Made in His image, God has given us strength, intellect, wisdom, insight, the ability to plan and carry things out, yet that does not mean we are to attempt to do this journey or pull off our plans and desires without God’s leadership, guidance, or help and by developing unhealthy relationships and codependences.
When we think of codependence we often think of substances like drugs or alcohol, but there are other things we can develop codependent relationships with. People can fill this role also. Codependency is defined as having an excessive or psychological reliance on a partner, typically one who requires support on account of an illness or addiction; any relationship where there is an extreme need for approval or recognition. Though codependency can be about addiction it can be about more than this. It can involve any relationship where someone does more than their share, all the time. If someone is relying on you for emotional, mental, social, or spiritual, support, then it is an unhealth dependency.
Developing dependences where we are reliant on others in ways that undermine the sovereignty of God in our lives or even denying the strength God has placed in us because we are created in His image. We are okay to be interdependent in our relationships with others, but not codependent. When we sense a relationship is going in the wrong direction and unhealthy codependency is developing we don’t need to push people away, simply guide them, involve others, and bring God regularly into the conversation so they see their need of him just as we do. As the psalmist said “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. (20:7-8)
Praying Psalm 118:8-9
God, just like You require a healthy balance between trusting You and doing, You also require a healthy balance in human relationships. It’s very easy to get sucked into relationships where unhealthy codependences are developed. When we are in danger of doing so send red flags we can recognize and show us how to attain the balance needed. Amen
Prayer Challenge
Is there any relationship you need to pray about or make sure you change an unhealthy codependency into a healthy, well balance one?
Digging Deeper
Devotionally Yours 