Happy Joyous And Free
Saturday May 5, 2018
y in the fact that we are no longer in the pit of our addiction, but we are now treading waters that are unfamiliar to us. People around us are encouraging us to stay the course but we are unsure and even fearful of our new environment. This is a natural reaction to changing our lifestyle and learning new ways to cope with what goes on inside us. We may have been “experts” in coping with our dysfunctional lifestyle but we are “newbies” in coping with our life in recovery. Thankfully, God has promised to be with us in this process that leads to a life that is happy, joyous, and free.
Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. (James 1:2-4 NLT)
The transition from living in self-will to living in God’s will is a real test of faith. Is there truly joy in walking in the ways of God? Sometimes we can say a definite “yes” as we experience joy in having made good decisions. Other times we find ourselves in a battle with our will as we are drawn to familiar things of our past. During these times of struggle, if we seek God, He will take us by the hand and lead us safely forward on our new path. The struggle will quiet down. Feelings will change. Joy will come when we realize that, together with God, we’ve faced and overcome a challenge.
Keep me safe, O God, for I have come to you for refuge. You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever. (Psalm 16:1; 11 NLT)
Like any child learning to walk we may stumble and fall but, like any good Father, God will lift us up when we stumble and rejoice over us when we learn to walk steadily forward. If we wholeheartedly seek Him God is committed to leading us into a life that is happy, joyous and free.
Prayer: Loving God, You have called me out of the darkness I was in and now invite me to walk together with You in the light of Your presence. Steady me in times of struggle and help me to take one more step forward today. Amen
©2018 Partners in Hope
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