ESCAPINING TOXIC ENVIRONMENT
The Rock Teaching Ministry Read: GENESIS 19: 1-29
Meditation Verse:
“But the men inside reached out, pulled Lot into the house with them, and shut the door… Then the men said to Lot, ‘Do you have anyone else here? Get them out of here, because we are going to destroy this place.’” — Genesis 19:10,12–13 (paraphrased)
Every environment you find yourself in—whether it’s your home, workplace, church, or relationship—has its own people, culture, systems, and practices. While some environments nurture your growth, faith, and purpose, others can slowly drain the life out of you. A toxic environment is one where those people or practices are misaligned with your core values and God’s will for your life.
Toxic environments aren’t always easy to spot. But over time, they begin to suffocate your faith, erode your peace, sabotage your purpose, and threaten your well-being. In Genesis 19, we find a vivid example in the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. The culture was so depraved that when two heavenly visitors arrived, the men of the city demanded to abuse them. Lot was surrounded by cruelty, lawlessness, and depravity—yet he remained there until God’s messengers urged him to leave. Had he hesitated, Lot and his family would have perished with the city.
Toxicity isn’t always physical. It can be emotional, spiritual, or psychological. It shows up in environments where you’re belittled, manipulated, verbally abused, physically harmed, spiritually stifled, or constantly afraid. It could be a workplace where you’re constantly undermined, a church where control replaces grace, or a relationship where your identity is eroded. As this month ends, take a moment to evaluate the environments you are planted in.
- Do you feel stifled, afraid, or emotionally drained around certain people?
- Are you constantly suppressing your true self to keep the peace?
- Do you sense that God has been nudging you to move on, even from seemingly comfortable places?
If your answer is yes, it’s time to get up and get out. Remaining in a toxic place can delay or destroy God’s plans for your life. But what if you can’t leave immediately? Then build a psychological island within. This is a sacred mental and spiritual space you create in the midst of chaos—through prayer, Scripture meditation, journaling, listening to godly music, or moments of quiet reflection. These are lifelines that help anchor you until your physical exit becomes possible. Sometimes, toxicity doesn’t come with a label. You may just have an inner restlessness or divine prompting that it’s time to leave. Don’t ignore those nudges. God sees what you cannot see. Deuteronomy 29:29 says, “The secret things belong to the Lord our God.” Trust His leading. Even if it feels uncomfortable to walk away from a familiar place, your obedience could save your life—literally and spiritually. What environment is God calling you to re-evaluate? Are you in a place where your spirit is crushed or your purpose is dying? Don’t ignore the signs.
IN HIS PRESENCE is written by Oke Chinye.
Have you asked Jesus Christ to come into your heart?
He says in Mathew 11:28, “come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” He longs to give you rest."
Would you like to do so now? Here’s a prayer you can say:
Dear Jesus, I believe that You died to save me from all my sins. Today, I invite you into my heart and I accept you as my Lord and Saviour. Please forgive all my sins and help me to live my life for You.
If you prayed this prayer, send me an email at rockteachingministry@gmail.com
I would love to pray with you personally and send you a copy of my book; ‘Living the Life’ to encourage you as you begin your new life in Christ.
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