What do “people, places, and things” have to do with living well with God in recovery today? Our minds remember and associate strong emotions with people, places, and things. These powerful emotions can trigger the obsession to use. It’s not always drug paraphernalia, a drinking buddy, or passing by a familiar bar that triggers these emotions. While it’s important to do what is in our power to limit situations like these that bring triggers, it’s even more important to acknowledge our powerlessness over events around us that will impact us.
The world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever. (1 John 2:16-17 NLT)
You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever. (Psalm 16:11 NLT)
Whether it’s anxiety, fear, or stress that is triggering our thoughts of using, we need to bring it all to God and trust God to support us in our journey until a solution is reached.
I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. (Psalm 34:4; 94:19; 23:4; NLT)
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Help me to live in the conscious awareness of Your compassionate presence with me in every situation. Help me to hear Your voice when people, places, or things trigger me in negative ways. I ask You to keep holding onto my hand as You assure me that “this too shall pass.” Amen
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