We are often overwhelmed with feelings of sadness when we first enter recovery. We feel sad because of the road we have travelled and the harmful choices we have made. We recognize our complete disregard for the well-being of ourselves and our loved ones. The guilt we feel contributes to feelings of sadness. We condemn ourselves because we think we should have been stronger. Had we been stronger the people we care about would not have suffered and we would not be in the mess we find ourselves in today. These negative feelings often contribute to our inability to do the daily things we need to do as we stay clean and sober, and unless we are careful, may lead us to relapse. How can God help in these circumstances?
When we accept Jesus as our Saviour and Lord, God totally forgives us all our sins and frees us from all condemnation. To allow self-condemnation or guilt to continue when we have received God’s forgiveness conflicts with what God says and what Jesus did for us on the cross. Jesus opened our future and permanently closed our past. We need to renew our minds with these facts and move forward in the lavish grace that God is pouring out on us. We need to fix our thoughts on good things. We need to determine in our hearts to do those things which contribute to our well-being, whether we feel like doing them or not. We need to remember: God is always with us. We need never face our problems alone.
Today, let’s give God praise and rejoice in the future He has opened for us.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You that through Jesus I am totally forgiven. Help me to live in the peace and joy that freedom from condemnation and guilt brings. Amen
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