Releasing Relational Strongholds (Emotional

Attachments)

It is natural to gravitate towards some people

Crushes are natural part of life We will have desires to be friends with

certain people to a certain extent Its totally okay.

Natural

When it becomes unhealthy is when these desires have you

We begin to covet other people’s relationships and wish they were ours or wish we had something like that

We become consumed by these people and these people end up controlling us.

Much criminal activity happens when one person’s obsession went too far.

Unnatural

When we feel like we “need” these people in our lives (We try to control them)

When these people become our “all in all” (We put too much heart into them)

When people leave our lives and we still want them

When people think they have something with someone when they truly don’t (perceived relationship)

When we base our identity and put so much energy into these relationships.

How these strongholds develop

Grief (Loss) Rejection/Dejection Sadness Despair Depression Anger/Control Insecurity ETC

Feelings Associated with It

Need for “love” Need for companionship Lack of Fulfillment Hole of Rejection Perceived Relationship

Why it develops

1. Give it to God 1 Peter 5:7 Cast all care Psalms 23:1, John 11 Jesus is the good

shepard

How to Release it

2. Realize The Discrepancy A. You may want this person as a friend, but

this person may not really want it B. This person may not feel the same way as

you.

How to Release It

3. Move On A. Realize these people will not be what you

want them to be in your life, so move on from them and make new friends.

B. God will send you the right people (Psalms 23:1, 37:4-5) when he is ready, continue to delight yourself in the Lord.

How to Release It

1. Have faith in God’s love A. Realize no one else can love you like they

can B. Your search for love ends with Christ C. Meditate on how much God loves you

(Romans 5:8, 1 John 4:19, John 3:16, 1 Corinthians 13)

How to Prevent unhealthy attachments

2. Have healthy expectations of people A. People are Human B. Do not develop a relationship with

someone without their approval C. Love people anyways

How to Prevent unhealthy attachments

3. Be secure in God, not people A. Your identity is found in Christ, not in a

group of people B. People will come and go, so let go and let

God. You cannot “make” someone love you, but all you can do is love God and them and leave the results up to God

C. People will be the way they are, find people that will love you and keep God first place.

How to Prevent unhealthy attachments

Remember that God’s love reigns supreme. If you are searching for a girl or guy to really “love you”, know that in God, you will find that love.

Go with the flow…don’t try to control everything, let God be in control.

Remember God is first, so release anyone you put before him.

Final Thoughts