Addiction/Recovery
“We were entirely ready to have God remove these defects of character.” – Life Recovery Step Six
If someone is stuck in addiction and wants to be free finally, what’s the one thing that God requires from them? Humility.
Oswald Chambers, the early twentieth-century preacher and theologian described humility as “the great characteristic of a saint.”
But many people who struggle with unhealthy habits have a hard time with humility. They believe they must do everything perfectly to recover from addiction and stay sober. But this type of perfectionistic thinking can be overwhelming—it makes individuals think they must do everything themselves and do it perfectly, or they will quit altogether. Instead of doing recovery perfectly all by oneself, Step Six requires humility because one must be “ready to have God remove these defects of character.” (more…)
Addiction/Recovery
“This is the day the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it,” the psalmist wrote in Psalm 118:24.
Being joyful during these turbulent times is a challenge. But it’s easier said than done. After all, the world is brimming with trials, difficulties, and sufferings—not to mention addictions, habits, and toxic relationships. So, it’s no wonder everyone is stressed.
When a person is in recovery, what’s an excellent way to respond to the stressors of everyday life? Start by turning things over to God. In Martin Luther’s favorite Psalm, Psalm 118, verse 24 is a good reminder that “the Lord has made” every day. Every day is a glorious gift from the Father. And the best way to use the gift of today is to surrender it to God.
Step 3 of Life Recovery says, “We made a decision to turn our wills and our lives over to the care of God.” This third step in recovery involves surrendering. (more…)
Addiction/Recovery
Is your journey of Life Recovery going well? Or, are you overwhelmed at the path set before you of getting through all of the 12 Steps? If so, you are not alone. Whether it’s our first time in recovery or we’re getting back into it after a long break, the 12 Steps can seem intimidating.
Another way to look at the 12 Steps of Life Recovery is to see it as a 3-fold path—or, that there are three commitments we need to make. In other words, the 12 Steps call us to make a commitment to God, ourselves, and others.
Commitment to God
“Dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living (more…)
Addiction/Recovery
“No one thing changes everything.”—Steve Arterburn
Let’s face it: There’s no magic pill available to help us escape addiction instantaneously. It takes effort—the real work starts after we seek help.
We hoped that once we stopped using, it would be easy from then on out. But recovery is never a one-time event; we must continue to do the work. If all we do is stop using in the short-term, we’re unlikely to change in the long-term.
If we want to recover for life, we must change the way we live our life. This doesn’t happen overnight. It’s why Life Recovery is not an event but a process that involves an awareness of our thoughts, a desire to change and surrender to God. (more…)
