While we were in addiction our daily agenda was fully centered on meeting our own needs. We used our substance of choice to help cope with the emptiness, the nameless pain, the loneliness, and other feelings we were unwilling to deal with. Now in recovery, we have become aware that God has promised to meet all our needs. Are we willing to let Him do so? When we feel vulnerable where do we turn to for help?
God invites us, Call on me when you are in trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory. (Psalm 50:15 NLT)
No one likes feeling vulnerable but stuffing our feelings just doesn’t work. When we finally admitted that we were powerless over the destructive dependencies that we used to cover up our feelings, we chose to come into a recovery program. We needed help. Our life had become empty and unmanageable. We stopped using our substance of choice and began the journey of living in a new way. Now we wonder if it is possible to handle our life situations while sober.
How can we face the devastating feelings and pain of our loneliness, frustration, disappointment, and even shame, without picking up again?
How can we face the devastating feelings and pain of our loneliness, frustration, disappointment, and even shame, without picking up again?
Successful life in recovery is about living in truth, and the truth is that on our own, our hearts are empty. That is why we struggle with fear when we feel vulnerable and powerless. God, and trusted people in recovery around us, assure us that there is a safe way forward for us.
They remind us that step by step we can come to know and believe in a power greater than ourselves who can restore us to sanity. God is powerful. God is with us. God cares for us. God will guide and bring peace to us as we turn our will and our lives over to His care.
God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. (Psalm 46:1 NLT)
Prayer: God, I confess that I am powerless and my life is unmanageable. Help me to sort out my vulnerable feelings. When I’m fearful and overwhelmed, I ask you to help me trust in You. Your word says that you are powerful, you are with me, and you care about me. Help me to believe. Amen
©2017 Partners in Hope
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