Partners
In Hope

First Things First

Wednesday June 6, 2018

One of our first priorities in recovery is sorting our life practices according to the truth.  We come in recovery weary, sick and sinful.  We want to feel better right away and get on with life.  We think that once we are physically stronger we can sort everything else out.  The truth is, God's way of lasting change and improvement in our lives is to change us from the inside out.  Our circumstances and relationships will improve when we admit that we are powerless over them and ask God to change our thinking and believing.  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, we must also ask God to give us an undivided heart.  We must have a foundation of truthful thoughts and healthy desires in place before we can hope to progressively build our 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 at the heart of our destructive and addictive lifestyle.  What influences our behaviour is what we are carrying around in our hearts.  We need to allow God to bring truth, as well as forgiveness and healing to our hearts.  Doctors and counsellors can then provide us with medical help and counselling to help us identify what we can do to help our physical well-being. 

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)


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

©2018 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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