Staying Connected

 In active addiction, trying to stay connected and maintain a close, healthy relationship with another was impossible.  Only our drug of choice had our full attention.  As we come into recovery, God invites us to regain the beautiful plan He has for us to live in a loving and caring relationship with Him, and then with others. Jesus prayed about this long ago, echoing what God's heart was from before creation:

I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me. (John 17:21 NLT)

Staying connected means that we come close and allow ourselves to be attached.  We do not hide.  We joyfully open up our thoughts and feelings to someone with whom we feel safe and accepted.  We find ways to get to know this person.  As our relationship flourishes, we want all that we are to be known and shared, each with the other,.

And this is the way to have eternal life—to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth. (John 17:3 NLT)

 Jesus left heaven to come to earth so we would know the depth of God’s love for us. We get to know God and His gracious heart towards us as we learn and obey what He tells us works.  We can then avoid those things that harm us.  

 Are we willing to live connected to God today?  What would it take for us to do only those things that are on God’s heart for us to do? The truth is, life outside of this connection to God through Jesus, we do not have a foundation to build on. This step-by-step, moment-by-moment connection with God is the only way we will overcome our addiction and maintain sobriety. 

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, Please heal my heart and help me to respond to Your kind invitation to live close to You each day and follow Your ways in everything I do and say.  Amen

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