Biblical Answer

The Dangers of Independence: A Call to Surrender

As a follower of Jesus, we are called to surrender our independence and submit to God's sovereignty. This can be a challenging and humbling experience, especially when we are used to being in control of our lives. The Bible warns us that "any steps toward isolation and independence are steps into darkness" (Proverbs 18:1). This is because our independence is a barrier to intimacy with God and can lead us away from His will for our lives. When we insist on doing things our own way, we can become isolated and disconnected from the people and relationships that are meant to bring us joy and support.

Seeking Help and Community

Rather than trying to deal with the loss of independence on our own, we should seek help and community from others. This can include talking to a trusted friend or family member, seeking counseling, or attending a support group like Al Anon. By sharing our struggles with others, we can gain a new perspective and learn from their experiences. We can also ask for wisdom and guidance from God, who desires to guide us and help us navigate life's challenges. As we surrender our independence and submit to God's sovereignty, we can experience freedom and joy in our lives.

The Importance of Self-Awareness

Another key aspect of surrendering our independence is becoming aware of our own thoughts, feelings, and motivations. When we are self-aware, we can recognize when we are trying to control our lives and make decisions that are not in line with God's will. We can ask the Lord to put awareness of Himself in us, and as we do, our self-awareness will disappear, and He will become our all in all (Philippians 4:13). This is not to say that we should ignore our own needs and desires, but rather that we should seek to align them with God's desires for our lives. By surrendering our independence and submitting to God's sovereignty, we can experience true freedom and joy in our lives.