Living In Supportive Relationships
Monday May 6, 2019
Even though we usually associate individuals living in addiction as “party people” the truth is that using substances almost always takes away from our ability to relate to other people, to form friendships, and to do meaningful things with them. For a short while we may think that drugs or alcohol help us lower our inhibitions and be the “life of the party,” but they actually take us to a place of guilt, shame and isolation. As we live with God in recovery, He will show us how to truly be part of a group and have mutually enjoyable relationships.
But God chose you to be his people. You are royal priests. You are a holy nation. You are God’s special treasure. You are all these things so that you can give him praise. God brought you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people. But now you are the people of God. Once you had not received mercy. But now you have received mercy. (1 Peter 2:9-10 NIRV)
We find our self-worth and our identity in the love and care of God – the God who names us as His special treasure. We belong to God and are family with everyone else who belongs to God. God fills our hearts with love. We no longer need to desperately run after attention and affirmation from others in unhealthy ways. We are taken care of by God and can reach out and be of service to others. We find our circle of friends growing and we become respected as one of the people of God.
This transformation doesn’t happen overnight, but it does increase every day that we walk with God and with others who are seeking recovery. As each person shares their experience, strength, and hope, we will find common experiences of vulnerability and joy that will bind our hearts together as a group, a family, a people.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for inviting me into relationship with You and placing me in a family with others. I now recognize that living in isolation is dark and depressing and, even though forming relationships may have its challenges, I know You are helping me make good choices for community and relationship. Thank You for caring for me. Amen
©2019 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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