Our Best Thinking Got Us Here

After recognizing that our lives are unmanageable, many of us entered into detox and then treatment programs where we found support and began to grow stronger. We began to attend 12-step recovery meetings and in many of those meetings often heard the words, “Our best thinking got us here”.  With the clarity that some time in recovery brings, we were able to give witness to the fact that what we had and did on our own got us into the mess we are in.

The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my victory ... God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble ...  Christ is the mighty power of God and the wisdom of God. This “foolish” plan of God is far wiser than the wisest of human plans, and God’s weakness is far stronger than the greatest of human strength (Exodus 15:2, Psalm 46:1, 1 Corinthians 1:24b-25 NLT)

Many of us also discovered that, no matter how strong we feel, or how smart we think we are, it’s not enough to bring us through to sustained recovery.  We will tire out and we will give up the struggle if we think any physical or mental strength we feel is enough for the long haul.  Strength and wisdom are gifts.  They are the result of an ongoing relationship with God.  They come from trusting God, waiting for God to act, following God’s word, and seeking His plan for our lives.  This is what gives us joy, keeps us safe, and helps us understand and respond differently to life around us.  This is also the foundation that helps us maintain our new life in recovery.

Outside of God, we can’t even maintain the desire to do what is right let alone find the strength to act on what we know we ought to do.  For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey him and the power to do what pleases him.  (Philippians 2:13 NLT) It is the experience of those who have walked with God that He pours out power at the very time we feel weak and that’s what actually makes us strong.  God says, “My gracious favor is all you need. My power works best in your weakness.”  (2 Corinthians 12:9 NLT) As we ask for, and receive God’s grace and power, then we are able to say, “For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need.”  (Philippians 4:13 NLT)

Thank you God for giving us new thoughts, new strength, and new life as we rely on You and live in the power of Your Holy Spirit today. 

©2016 Partners in Hope