In recovery, it doesn’t take long for us to realize how much better life is, than we ever thought it could be. As we receive healing, and God’s presence fills our hearts with peace and joy, we realize that life – our life with God – is more precious than anything else we’ve ever sought after.
Do good to your servant according to your word, Lord. Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I trust your commands. Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word. You are good, and what you do is good; teach me your decrees. Though the arrogant have smeared me with lies, I keep your precepts with all my heart. Their hearts are callous and unfeeling, but I delight in your law. It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees. The law from your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of silver and gold. (Psalm 119:65-72 NIV)
We lived uncaring self-centered lives in addiction and, in many ways, it made our hearts callous and unfeeling. As we come into life with God in recovery we need to learn that safe lives need boundaries and limits, particularly in the areas of our own out-of-control desires and demands. If we faithfully follow God’s way, even though we sometimes struggle with making disciplined choices and balancing our daily activities, it won’t take long before we experience the good, pleasing and perfect life that God promises.
No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. (Hebrews 12:11 NLT)
Today is another opportunity to discover that God is good, what God does is good, and how God leads us is good. How? By wholeheartedly obeying God’s instruction, particularly in the circumstances that require difficult choices. It’s not easy in the moment but the results are certainly worth it.
©2016 Partners in Hope
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Audio for Sunday, April 24, 2016 The Good Life
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