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Writer's pictureDr. Jackie Minor

Are you Tethered?

I recently had dinner with an old friend. We quickly caught up on our lives before our conversation turned deep and reflective. I suppose that is a sign of age. The kids are gone, which leaves a great deal of time to think and reflect. There are times I wish I could just shut my brain off and live in the moment, but I am finding that difficult to do these days.

As my friend and I were “solving the world’s problems”, she made a comment about the importance of being “tethered”. If we are not tethered, she maintained, we are blown to and fro by life’s circumstances. As I reflected on our conversation, I thought about the word “tethered”. I visualized a balloon tied to a mailbox, a dog on a leash, or a navy seal being lowered from a helicopter during a rescue. All “tied” to something, something secure, something that pulls back when the object or person moves too far away.


We all need that “something” that keeps us connected to safety.

· What are you tethered to?

· What centers you?

· What guides your decisions, your thoughts, and your actions?


Do you find yourself securely tethered, or are you flying all over the place like the balloon that comes loose from a mailbox?

If we can agree it is important to be tethered, a bigger question emerges— tethered to what and to whom?

As a Christ follower, I must tether myself to God’s Word and the leading of His Holy Spirit.

Not my job. Not my family. Not the latest “you can do it on your own” fad.


God’s Word is secure. God’s Word never changes. God’s Word is true.

Consider how these verses can tether us.

Ephesians 4: 1-2

...walk in a manner worthy of your calling with all humility, gentleness, with patience showing tolerance for one another in love.

2 Timothy 1:7

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of sound mind.


Let’s explore other life circumstances and how Gods word can keep us tethered.

When something goes wrong and it makes you angry

James 1: 19

“Know this, my beloved brothers; let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.”

Ephesians 4:29

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”


When someone says something hurtful and you question your worth…

Colossians 3:12-15

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”


When you make a mistake and you’re feeling defeated…

1 John 1:9

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”


When your boss asks you to be dishonest…

Deuteronomy 31:6

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”


When tragedy strikes and you feel lost…

Proverbs 3:5-6

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”


When life is so busy and you are feeling overwhelmed…

Romans 8:6

“The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.”


Although our lives are full of windy days and calm days, like that balloon, we must be tethered. If not, we will be blown to far off places by life’s circumstances.

What are you tethered to?


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