Several years ago I encountered a major emotional shock that separated me from many people and things very dear to me. God wanted me to move on, but I was not obeying Him.
God was working for my good, even though I could not see the good at the time. When I would not move, God moved me, and some of the people in my life. I realize now that it was one of the best things that ever happened to me, but at the time I thought my whole world was falling apart. I wasn't sure I would ever recover.
Death and divorce are not the only devastating losses that people face. Losing long-time relationships or a career that has been important to you may be traumatic.
Personal injury preventing you from pursuing a hobby or sport that has been a major part of your life can be very hard emotionally. Actually, losing anyone or anything that is important to us is hard.
My complete recovery took almost three years, but I made steady, definite progress throughout that time. Something that finally helped me be healed of the major pain was an understanding of "soul ties."
"Soul Ties"
Spending a great deal of time with any person or thing leads to a bonding relationship with that person or thing.
As humans, we are spirit, we have a soul, and we live in a body. The soul can be thought of as being composed of the mind, the will and the emotions.
Involvement requires mental time, thought and plans. Generally, we talk about what we are most involved in with our mind, our will and our emotions. By giving it a little thought, we can see how involved our "souls" are in the people and things into which we invest most of our time and energy.
If my arm were tied to my side and kept there, immobile, for years, it would have a devastating effect. If it were suddenly untied, I would find it not only withered and weakened, but also disabled.
It would be impossible for me to use that arm properly until it had gained back its strength and mobility. I would have to learn new ways to function and to develop the muscles that had atrophied from disuse.
The same thing holds true with our souls. When we have been involved with a person, place or thing for a long period of time, we have developed "soul ties."
When that person or place or thing is taken from us, we react as if we were still involved with it. Like an arm that was tied to our side, even though it is later set free, it still "feels" as if it were bound. It does not function properly until some time has passed and some effort has been made to restore it.
Even when we voluntarily walk away from someone or something, our soul may still want to remain where we were. Feelings are very strong, and can cause us much pain and anguish. We must realize that we can use our "will" to decide to do or not to do something. A solid, willful decision will override raging, surging emotions.
There are right and wrong "soul ties." Right ones will balance out in time; wrong ones must be dealt with.
No matter what kind of situation you are dealing with right now, if not handled properly it can cripple you. However, God knows how to handle it!
If you have been injured in an accident, you may have to learn to walk all over again.
If you have lost your spouse to death or divorce, you may have to learn to function as an individual. You may have to learn to do things that you have forgotten how to do or have never done before. You may have to get a job or learn to cook and care for children or make decisions you are not used to making in matters you know nothing about.
If you have lost a job, you may have to learn how to market yourself all over again or even relocate to a new and strange environment.
Progress While Moving Forward
While you are doing these new things, you may still hurt, but you can take satisfaction in knowing you are moving forward. Each day you are making progress. God promises to be with you in trouble.
While you are waiting for Him to deliver you, you can be comforted by knowing He is with you and working on your behalf even though you cannot always see what He is doing in the natural world.
Matthew 28:20 says, "...lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world..." (KJV).
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Joyce Meyer is one of the world's leading practical Bible teachers. A New York Times bestselling author, her books have helped millions of people find hope and restoration through Jesus Christ. Through Joyce Meyer Ministries, she teaches on a number of topics with a particular focus on the mind, mouth, moods and attitudes. Her candid communication style allows her to share openly and practically about her experiences so others can apply what she has learned to their lives.
