Partners
In Hope

Happy Joyous And Free

Friday May 5, 2023

Life in recovery can be challenging at times.  We have joy in the fact that we are no longer in the pit of our addiction but are uneasy about living in situations that are unfamiliar to us.  People are encouraging us to stay the course, but we are unsure and even fearful about our new environment. This is a natural reaction to changing our lifestyle and learning new ways to cope. We were “experts” in our dysfunctional lifestyle but are “newbies” in our life in recovery. Thankfully, God has promised to help us cope in this process that leads to a life that is happy, joyous, and free.

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. (James 1:2-4 NLT) 

The transition from living in self-will to living in God’s will is a real test of faith.  We may ask ourselves, "Is there truly joy in walking in the ways of God?"   Sometimes we can say a definite “Yes” as we experience joy in having made good decisions.  Other times we find ourselves in a battle with our will as we are drawn to familiar things of our past. If we seek God during these times of struggle, He will take us by the hand and safely lead us forward on our new path.  The struggle will quiet down.  Feelings will change.  Joy will come when we realize that, together with God, we have faced and overcome a challenge. 

Keep me safe, O God, for I have come to you for refuge.  You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever. (Psalm 16:1; 11 NLT)

Like any child learning to walk we may stumble and fall but, like any good Father, God will lift us up when we stumble and will rejoice over us when we learn to walk steadily forward.  If we wholeheartedly seek Him, God is committed to leading us into a life that is happy, joyous, and free.


Prayer:  Loving God, You have called me out of the darkness I was in and now invite me to walk together with You in the light of Your presence.  Steady me in times of struggle and help me to take one more step forward today. Amen

©2023 Partners in Hope 

Audio for Happy Joyous And Free

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Partners in Hope is supported wholly by our friends and community. We are thankful to everyone who partners with us to help bring hope to the discouraged, hurting, and hopeless.