Going Forward
Monday September 5, 2016
Often when we start to live sober in recovery we feel overwhelmed by past life events. Sometimes it’s the guilt and shame over what we have done. Other times it’s dealing with the unresolved trauma of what has been done to us. Often it’s just dealing with who we are at this point and where we want to go from here. On our own, going forward seems intimidating, and the powerful pull of going back to our familiar way of life persists. When feelings like these show up, and they will, we need to speak with our sponsor or counsellor who will understand and pray with us. God knows we cannot do recovery alone and He will help us if we call on Him.
Don’t panic. I’m with you. There’s no need to fear for I’m your God. I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you. I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you. This is way too much for you—you can’t do this alone. (Isaiah 41:10; Exodus 18:18b MSG)
In Step 1 of the 12 Step program, we admitted that we are powerless over our dependencies. Because we know we are powerless, we need to depend on God, our Higher Power, and on those around us for the help we need to move forward in life. When we give our will and our life over to the care of God, He will work powerfully through those around us to help us achieve our goal. We are not meant to live on our own, guided by our own thoughts. We are certainly not equipped to handle everything that will come against us. That is why living in relationship with God and with others is important.
Currently, we are like sheep and can do very little for ourselves. We need to be prodded and guided and fed by the good Shepherd who watches over, and tenderly cares for the sheep. He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in his arms, holding them close to his heart. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep. (Isaiah 40:11; John 10:11 NLT)
This is a day to humbly ask for and accept the help we need to go forward into a life that is meaningful, purposeful and joyful.
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