AFFIRMED AND ACCOMPANIED BY A LOVING GOD

After years of listening to other’s harsh and condemning words about us, it’s wonderful to have an opportunity to experience the affirmation of God and to be reminded that as we walk together with Him, He is well pleased with us. 

God, have mercy on us and bless us.  May you be pleased with us.  Then your ways will be known on earth.  All nations will see that you have the power to save.  God, may the nations praise you.  May all the people on earth praise you.  May the nations be glad and sing for joy.  You rule the people of the earth fairly.  You guide the nations of the earth.  (Psalm 67:1-4 NIRV)

These verses remind us that it was God who, in his mercy, reached out and rescued us.  He didn’t just set us on a pathway and expect us to find our own way but, with great joy and direction, He accompanies us.  In an amazing turnaround of events, God now gets praise from others through the witness of our life with Him in recovery.

We invited Jesus into our lives to forgive and save us and, by the power of God’s Spirit, we are now being transformed into His likeness. Others notice, and some may ask what happened to us that caused us to change. As we share our experience, strength, and hope with them, they come to know that it was God’s power that made all the difference in our lives.

Recovery does not bring about a perfect world but, as we walk with God without hiding behind substances, God will teach us the right way and warn us off the wrong way.  Together with God, we can navigate our relationships with others.  Seeking recovery with others can be messy.  Life itself at times is messy.  But, together with God who guides and governs individuals and groups of people fairly and with justice, we can take the necessary steps that will help all of us live together in peace. 

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, It really is a pleasure to walk in the acceptance and affirmation of Your great love for me.  Jesus, by His finished work here on earth, made it possible for me to be accepted into Your family.  At times, when I find it a challenge to endure others, help me to take a moment and reach out to You for guidance and then do as You say.  Help me to see myself as one of Your precious children and know that You delight in me.  Amen