First Things First

One of our first priorities in recovery is sorting our life practices according to the truth.  We come into recovery weary, sick, and sinful.  We want to feel better right away and get on with life.  We think that once we are physically stronger we can sort everything out.  the truth is, God's way of lasting change and improvement in our lives is to change us from the inside out.  Our circumstances and relationships will improve when we admit that we are powerless over them and ask God to change our thinking and behaving.  First things first! 

We cannot imagine what sanity or goodness is until God works in us to remove the fog, the pain, and the lies we have believed.  We must ask God to give us an undivided heart as sincerely as we have asked God to remove the obsession for our substance of choice, or our addictive habits.  We must develop a solid foundation of truthful thoughts and healthy desires before we can hope to progressively build our life in recovery. 

Only God can forgive the sin at the core of our destructive and addictive lifestyle.  Our damaging behaviour has been influenced by the hurts we have sustained and hidden deep in our hearts.  We need to allow God to bring truth, forgiveness, and healing to our hearts.  Doctors and counsellors can then provide the medical help and therapy we need to help our physical well-being. 

Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. (1 Timothy 1:15-16 NIV)

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, I need forgiveness, new life, and the power of Your Holy Spirit working in me to heal and change me from the inside out. I invite You into my life to bring me to the knowledge of all truth. Please help me to accept all the help I need.  Amen

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