ROOTS OF STRIFE

"Sister Cerullo, my spouse just isn't filling my needs. It's causing tremendous strife between us. At night I lie awake boiling with anger and outrage. What can I do?"

For years, Brother Cerullo has been saying to put your ax to the root of the tree; i.e., to get to the root of whatever is hindering you and yank it out. What is the root of this problem?

As harsh as it sounds when you first read it, the book of James provides a startling answer. It says,: "What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God..." (James 4:1-2, NIV).

There's the root. We all tend to sulk, snap and fight to get what we want from man, rather than appropriating what we need from God! It's a matter of dependency. The people around you may be unwilling or unable to fulfill your needs, but God does not want you emotionally dependant on them anyway.

He wants to teach you to look to Him and Him alone. Then your needs will be filled beyond measure in a relationship with Him.

Heavenly Father, help me to remember to look not to men, but to look only to You...for You long to provide. Cleanse my heart, so I might ask with the right motives. Forgive my resentment and help me forgive those whom I have resented for not giving me what I want. May the abundance You provide serve as a great witness to them that my God is real! In Jesus' Name, Amen.

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