First Things First
Monday July 24, 2017
One of our first priorities in recovery is sorting our life practices according to the truth. We come to recovery weary and weak, sick and sinful and we're powerless to do anything about that until we first make a change to our thinking and believing. Then and only then can we think about setting our circumstances, our relationships, and our world in order. First things first.
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33 NIV)
We cannot even see what is good or sane until God works in us to remove the fog of pain and the lies we’ve believed. As sincerely as we have asked God to remove the obsession to our substance of choice or our addictive habits, so we must ask God to give us an undivided heart. We must have the foundation of truthful thoughts and healthy desires in place before we can hope to safely build a life in recovery.
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. (Romans 7:18 NIV)
Doctors can help us with sickness but only God can forgive the sin of our destructive and addictive lifestyle. We need to allow God's truth to bring enlightenment and healing to our deceitful hearts. Doctors and counsellors can then provide us with physical and psychological help to reveal the choices which contributed to our seeking comfort in addiction rather than in God.
Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. (1 Timothy 1:15-16 NIV)
God made us. He knows how we work. He knows where the true nature of our problems lie.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I need forgiveness, new life, and the power of Your Holy Spirit operating in me to heal me and change me from the inside out. I invite You into my life to bring me to the knowledge of all truth. AMEN
©2017 Partners in Hope
More information on this and other related topics @ http://www.partnersinhope.ca/life-with-god-in-recovery-resources/
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