Rediscovering God's Heart for LeadershipSample

Attached and Anchored — Why Your Connection to God Changes Everything

"I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness." Jeremiah 31:3 (NIV)

Picture a child running into a parent’s arms—eyes bright, arms wide, no hesitation. That is what secure attachment looks like. It is the kind of bond where love is safe, reliable, and always available. And believe it or not, that kind of connection is the foundation of strong, healthy leadership.

Why Attachment Matters

Psychologists tell us that the kind of bond we form with our caregivers in early life affects how we see the world—and how we lead in it. If we’ve experienced trust and consistency, we are more likely to grow into calm, confident, and compassionate leaders. But here is the good news: even if our early experiences were broken, God offers a new kind of attachment, one that is not based on performance, pedigree, or perfection. It is based on His unshakable love.

Anchored in the Unchanging

In Jeremiah 31, God reminds His people that His love is everlasting. It does not shift with mood or merit. It is not fragile or conditional. When you know deep down that you are securely loved by God, it changes the way you lead. You no longer must strive to prove yourself. You do not need to chase applause. You are free to lead with peace and stability, because your identity is anchored in something eternal. This kind of spiritual “secure attachment” forms the core of Christian maturity. It makes us less reactive, more resilient, and more relational. And that is the kind of leader people want to follow.

Leading from Wounds or Wholeness?

Let’s be honest: as we lead, we can be tempted to operate from insecurity. We might control, micromanage, get defensive, and seek validation. We may fear being exposed or overlooked. But when we stay closely connected to God—through prayer, Scripture, experiencing His presence, and honest reflection—we are more likely to lead from wholeness, not woundedness. We will be less driven by fear if we are securely grounded in love.

The Spirit as Our Secure Base

In the Gospels, we see Jesus Himself model secure attachment to the Father. He often withdrew to pray, not out of obligation, but out of a desire for deep connection. He knew where His identity came from: “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17, Mark 1:11). When you are a follower of Jesus, you are God’s beloved too. And that is the foundational identity from which you are called to lead.

A Thought to Ponder

Your leadership does not begin with your gifts; it begins with your God. The more securely you are attached to Him, the more securely you will lead others.

Prayer

Father, thank you for loving me with a love that does not change. I confess the times I have led from insecurity or fear. Anchor me in Your truth. Help me live and lead from the confidence of being Your beloved child. Amen.

Reflection Questions

Are there places in your life where you find yourself leading from insecurity or fear? What might it look like to lead from a place of being securely loved by God?