Spiritual Detox
Tuesday January 12, 2016
A new year often means a fresh start. For some of us, that’s when we make a further effort to clean up and get sober. We recognize that we are worn out physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. We are running on empty. The first step to recovery for many is to enter detox to find rest and support. There we are monitored by caring professionals as we experience a varied combination of headaches, nausea, aching bones, convulsions and seizures, anxiety or depression, shaking, irritability, cravings, and fatigue while we are detoxed from harmful substances. For a number of days, we just try to hang on and get through the discomfort.
God knows our souls and spirits need detoxing along with our bodies. He invites us today: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28-29 NIV)
Once we get the initial cleansing and physical detoxing taken care of, it’s time to come to terms with the reality that we have a problem that is unmanageable and begin to explore the reasons for it. The ultimate non-workable remedy is to believe we know how to fix ourselves based on our limited knowledge or the limited knowledge of a relative or friend. God created us to work well only when our lives are filled with Him. Whatever other relationships or activities we used in the past to try to give us satisfaction are just as unreliable and ultimately destructive as the overuse of alcohol and drugs. No matter how much we use them or how often, they just aren’t enough. God invites us today to come to him to have our hearts and minds detoxed from false ideas and desires. God wants us have a life that is good and pleasing and He will show us what that is and give us the power to live it.
For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. (Philippians 2:13, Romans 12:2 NLT)
A simple prayer like the following can give God permission to detoxing our souls: God, my life is unmanageable without you. You created me to live filled up with you. There really is no good way to live on my own. Forgive me for not including you. I turn from my independent ways surrender my will and my life to you. Thank you Jesus for dying on the cross for my sins and making a way for me to have new life filled up with Your Spirit. Come into my heart and make me clean. Teach me your will. Transform my way of thinking. Strengthen me to obey all that you show me. Let’s make this a day to detox from all sin and begin fresh.
©2016 Partners in Hope
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