When the Icks Keep Coming

In this world you will have trouble.

John 16:33b

When I asked my counselor, “Will the icks keep showing up?” he gently nodded, “Yes.” Somehow, I had assumed removing myself from a narcissistic relationship would eventually set my feet onto the yellow brick road.

 “Recovery,” he said, “is peeling an onion, layer by layer.”

Accepting that each layer will reveal new icks that require the work of emotional processing, grieving, and releasing them into God’s hands felt overwhelming. I left the counseling office discouraged. Once again life required me to face it as it was rather than as I thought or hoped it to be.

Jesus pointed out this same principle to His disciples, the principle I struggled to accept. In Jesus’ brief earthly life, He experienced the (assumed) death of his earthly father, saw his mother struggle as a widow, grieved a cousin’s death (John the Baptist), wept over the suffering and death of a dear friend (Lazarus), and faced His own tortuous death. Jesus could genuinely equip His disciples for the journey ahead with these words:

In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world (John 16:33b).

These words support me as I do the work of processing the icks. I can walk toward the future, wiser, and more confident that the overcoming strength promised for the disciples is also available for me.

Father, thank You that Your Word addresses each new heartbreak that comes into my life. I do not walk this road alone but with the Holy Spirit as my counselor and guide. Thank You for providing wise individuals who serve You by speaking truth into my life. Show me how to be a faithful steward of Your love and care. In the name of the source of all truth, Jesus Christ, I pray, amen.  

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