Sometimes Your Problem Isn’t Your Problem: The Power of Associations
Sometimes the problems we face aren't actually ours, but are a result of the associations we have with others.
8/19/20242 min read
Have you ever found yourself stressed out or overwhelmed by issues that aren't even yours? It's easy to think that the challenges in our lives are just a result of our own choices or circumstances. However, sometimes the real issue isn't the problem itself but the associations we have with others that create these problems for us.
Proverbs 13:20 wisely tells us, "Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm." This verse isn't just about choosing friends who will uplift you—it's also a reminder that the people you surround yourself with have a profound impact on your life. When you walk with the wise, their wisdom rubs off on you, leading you toward a path of understanding and righteousness. But when you walk with fools, their foolishness can start to creep into your life, bringing unnecessary trouble.
We all want to be there for our friends and loved ones. It's natural to want to be an outlet for people to vent their frustrations, and there's nothing wrong with that. However, there comes a point when too much of their venting can begin to take a toll on you. The stress they carry, the problems they face, can start to seep into your own life. You may find yourself anxious, worrying about things that aren't even yours to carry, and before you know it, the issues they are facing start to manifest in your own life.
This is why it's so crucial to guard your gates—those spiritual, emotional, and mental boundaries that protect your heart and mind. The devil is always looking for a way in, and sometimes that entry point is through the people we care about most. When you allow too much negativity or too many problems from others into your life, it can become a gateway for the enemy to influence your thoughts and emotions. What starts as simply listening to someone else's problems can quickly turn into you living out those same issues in your own life.
It's perfectly okay to be there for people and to listen to their struggles, but you must also be vigilant about how much you let in. We are called to bear one another's burdens, but not at the expense of our own spiritual, emotional, and mental well-being. You can be a supportive friend without absorbing the negativity or stress that comes with their issues.
So, what can you do? First, recognize when you need to set boundaries. It's important to know when to step back and protect your peace. Second, seek wisdom from God and ask Him to give you discernment in your relationships. Pray for the strength to support others without taking on their problems as your own. And finally, keep your focus on Christ, who is the ultimate source of peace and wisdom.
Remember, sometimes your problem isn’t your problem—it’s the associations you have that create problems for you. Be wise in your relationships, guard your gates, and trust in God to lead you on the right path.
