Saint Augustine, a wise and famous early church leader stated, “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.”
At the beginning of a new season many of us think of making a fresh start. That’s when some of us make the effort to clean up and get sober. We recognize that we are worn out physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. We are running on empty. Often our first step on the journey to recovery is to enter a facility to detox from the chemicals we have put into our body, and to find rest and support as we make a new start. In the detox center, we are monitored by caring professionals as we experience a mixed combination of headaches, nausea, aching bones, convulsions and seizures, anxiety or depression, shaking, irritability, cravings, and fatigue while we detox. For a number of days, we just try to hang on and get through the discomfort. 
It's not only our body that needs detoxing. Our souls and spirits need cleansing and healing as well. Pain and shame, anger and bitterness have poisoned our hearts and twisted our thinking. We need a safe refuge and help to uncover and find effective treatment for our soul. God invites us today to come to Him to find that spiritual rest and care so we can detox safely in every area of our being and prepare for what is ahead. Coming close to God requires only a choice for us. God is waiting for us to open ourselves to His presence so He can fill us with His love that surpasses knowledge.
God invites us: Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (Matthew 11:28-29 NIV)
Prayer: Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit in me. Fill me with your Holy Spirit and give me a willing heart to embrace the new life you are setting before me. Amen
©2017 Partners in Hope
More information on this and other related topics @ http://www.partnersinhope.ca/life-with-god-in-recovery-resources/
Audio for Spiritual Detox (1)
Recent Meditations
Giving Hope
Partners in Hope is supported wholly by our friends and community. We are thankful to everyone who partners with us to help bring hope to the discouraged, hurting, and hopeless.