Resolving Inner Conflict

Resolving Inner Conflict

Eileen Renders

   Several causes can trigger what many understand to be what is best described as inner conflict.

Often it is described as a vague feeling that all is not right within us. Sometimes, it will take us a bit of time to sort it all out. With many responsibilities, relationships, and concerns that we deal with daily, this negative, or “uneasy” feeling gnaws at us. Is it an intuition, a warning, or a negative mood that is plaguing us? What we do understand is that we are unable to resolve an issue when we do not recognize what the issue is.

   We begin to question ourselves in an attempt to get to the bottom of this issue. Is it my job, the kids, my spouse, or my schedule, in an attempt to uproot what is distracting us from our usual self, and demanding our attention?

   However, inner conflict is not usually the result of external stimuli. It is most often an issue we are at odds with internally. How can we be at odds with ourselves one might ask, and that is exactly where the resolution begins. Reflecting upon whether we are involved in a relationship, a group that we seem to enjoy, however, our instincts, and beliefs are not compatible with. Maybe, we are working where we are selling a product that we do not believe in. This type of contradictory behavior requires us to not be true to who we say we are, or what we truly believe. Certainly, this would cause one to ask; “Who am I, really?”

   We have all heard it said, “To thine own self be true.” When we are not, we are being somewhat untruthful, and with our conscience, we feel that. It can make us feel unrest, who does not want to feel proud and respect who we are, and what we stand for?

   It often takes courage not to go along with the crowd for the ride, but to bow out and choose our friends, activities, life style, and religious beliefs according what we have learned and believe. We want to look in the mirror and recognize who is looking back at us.

   Strength and courage through prayer is how we grow. No one can comfort, heal, or direct us as our Creator can, and will when we go to Him humbly in prayer.