Coming out of addiction and living life in sobriety is always challenging and should be lived one day at a time. Our addiction kept us busy fulfilling its demands and now our thought patterns need to be retrained in ways of healthy living. Our bodies are in a state of shock. We miss and grieve the familiar way of addictive life and the people who used to be around us. New beginnings require planning and help in order to move from one place to the next, so it is always wise to seek help.
Leave your simple ways behind and begin to live; learn to use good judgment. Wisdom will multiply your days and add years to your life. (Proverbs 9:6, 11 NLT)
Living in recovery requires that we keep away from our old stomping grounds and from the people who are still out there. Initially we may think that seeing a familiar face is good for us and we might even be able to influence someone to also seek recovery. It is more likely that they will lead us back into addiction than we will influence them for good. It is much wiser to seek the company of someone who has been in recovery for a time and can share their experience in avoiding the pitfalls that lead to relapse.
So don’t bother correcting mockers; they will only hate you. But correct the wise, and they will love you. Instruct the wise, and they will be even wiser. Teach the righteous, and they will learn even more. (Proverbs 9:8-9 NLT)
Looking back at our life with guilt and shame will only bring us misery and stifle our growth unless we choose to repent and give our will and life over to the care of God. Jesus died in our place so we could be free from the penalty of sin. Accepting the things we cannot change, but are forgiven by God, will help us move forward in recovery because the penalty for our sin is paid in full.
Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment. (Proverbs 9:10 NLT)
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I’m not afraid to leave my past behind because I know You will care for me and teach me to use good judgment. Amen
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