February 14, 2016
Sunday February 14, 2016
9 How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word.
10 I have tried hard to find you—don’t let me wander from your commands.
11 I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
12 I praise you, O Lord; teach me your decrees.
13 I have recited aloud all the regulations you have given us.
14 I have rejoiced in your laws as much as in riches.
15 I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways.
16 I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word.
(Psalm 119:9-16 NLT)When we come to a new life in recovery there are so many thoughts that swirl around in our minds on any given day. We have memories. Obsessions and temptations are never far from us. New structures and schedules and responsibilities seem to fill our brains until we feel like we might burst. What information is necessary to keep in mind to secure our recovery from day to day? How do we keep that information front and center in our thoughts?
God tells us to give priority to His word. When we learn what God’s will for our life is, and obey His word, life will go well for us. It’s essential to read and obey God’s word as recorded in the Bible. When our attention wanders it’s not a bad idea to recite the scriptures we read out loud. Not only does it focus our attention, but our heart gets the message from both our eyes and our ears. The learning goes deeper. We will find that more and more clarity will come as we study and reflect on the words we read, maybe even journaling to gather our thoughts. The most effective learning comes when we actually put God’s words and directions into practice. When we do, we find out that God’s ways are good. They are true. They are reliable and they actually bring about the life of purity and joy we’ve been seeking.
None of this will be consistent in our lives, however, unless we ask God to teach us and give us the strength and courage to not wander from His commands. Life with God is recovery is worth the effort.
©2016 Partners in Hope
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