In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, Christine Chappell interviews Ellen Mary Dykas about her 31-day devotional, Toxic Relationships: Taking Refuge in Christ. Some of the questions addressed in this interview are:

• What is a toxic relationship? What is a biblical perspective on this problem?
• Why is it sometimes difficult to diagnose a toxic relationship?
• What does “people idolatry” have to do with toxic relationships?
• How do the Scriptures encourage those who feel stuck in a toxic relationship?
• What are some indicators that it may be wise to step away temporarily from—or even end—this kind of relationship?
• How do our relational desires ultimately point us back to the person of Jesus Christ?

Ellen Mary Dykas (MA, Covenant Theological Seminary) is the women’s ministry coordinator at Harvest USA and the author of Sexual Sanity for Women as well as several mini-books.

A production of the Institute for Biblical Counseling & Discipleship, the Hope + Help Podcast offers compassionate biblical conversations about life's challenging problems. The podcast accomplishes this by offering a mix of interviews with seasoned biblical counseling professionals and ministry leaders on a variety of topics. Listeners can expect to receive biblical wisdom as well as practical steps for facing suffering, struggling, and sin with courage and grace. Hosted by author/writer Christine M. Chappell. 

TOXIC RELATIONSHIPS: TAKING REFUGE IN CHRIST • Does your happiness depend on someone else’s affection and presence in your life? Are your thoughts consumed by another person? If so, the relationship has become skewed–get help before it becomes a prison! Through thirty-one daily readings with reflection questions and practical action steps, Ellen Mary Dykas helps you to strengthen your relationship with Christ–embracing him as your true refuge–and to cultivate godly relationships with others from a place of confidence and peace.