Denial is described as a refusal to admit the truth or reality of a situation. Denial is a coping mechanism people use to help them deal with uncomfortable memories or circumstances. People who have lived in addiction for some time may live in a conscious or unconscious level of denial which is difficult to sort out.
The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? But I, the Lord, search all hearts and examine secret motives. (Jeremiah 17:9-10 NLT)
Denial of our dependency on a substance and/or a person is the first obstacle we must overcome in recovery. Others may have identified the behaviour associated with our dependency but we continue to deny that the problem even exists. Step One reminds us: We admitted we were powerless over our dependency and that our life had become unmanageable. Failure to acknowledge this keeps us from seeking the help we need and taking the necessary steps to get well.
For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. (Romans 7:18-20 NIV)
God calls us to live in truth. When we put our faith and trust in the finished work of Jesus, God will lead us into all truth by the power of His Holy Spirit who comes to live within us.
Jesus said, When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. (John 16:13 NLT)
Prayer: Heavenly Father, please help me identify ways I am vulnerable to denial and its operation in my life. Fill me with Your loving presence and help me to walk out of denial into life-giving truth. Amen
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