We usually say an individual is “white knuckling” when they are just using willpower to stay sober. They have stopped drinking or using but have not dealt with the underlying issues related to their addiction. They are desperately hanging on and very much at risk of relapse because they experience life away from their substance of choice as something to be endured. They are not staying sober to benefit themselves but for other people. They feel like they are in prison rather than having a life. They muddle through one day of not using and hope for another but have a low tolerance for other people and life’s challenges. They are often filled with anger and resentment.
This is not the life in recovery that God wants for us. He gives us strength for the journey as we tackle complex issues. He offers us comfort and healing for all the painful things we will encounter along the way.
I am the Lord All-Powerful. So don’t depend on your own power or strength, but on my Spirit. (Zechariah 4:6 CEV)
When we begin to feel worried and anxious about our sobriety it’s time to look again to God who knows us better than we know ourselves. As we read the Bible, God will teach us those things we need to know and will help us practice His principles in all our affairs. We need to listen to others share their experience, strength and hope and perhaps learn from them. If we seek God, He will help us identify the source of our pain and, through Jesus, we can receive healing and forgiveness for the issues that are exposed.
You are my strength; I wait for you to rescue me, for you, O God, are my fortress. In his unfailing love, my God will stand with me. He will let me look down in triumph on all my enemies. (Psalm 59:9-10 NLT)
We can’t “fight our demons” on our own but when we ask our all-powerful God to help us, He will give us so much more power to do so.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, When I am feeling frustration and pain, I pray for the willingness to reach out to You for strength, and healing. Help me to surrender every area where I stubbornly “white knuckle” through problem situations. Please guide me to a place of peace and stability. I put my trust in You. Help me to trust You more. Amen
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