Addicts have a habitual behavior of lying and stealing. They may even tell you they love you. If they really loved, they would not hurt others by their behavior. Their addiction takes away their ability to love. The only thing that matters to them is making sure they get what they need for their next fix. They will jump through hoops and trample on anyone to get it. If they only had that drive to get well.
Romans 13:9-10 tells us if we love, we will not hurt those that we love. Our behavior can hurt those that we love. Our love for God and others are shown in our actions more than our words.
Addicts live one day at a time. They just want enough to get their fix for that day. They don’t save or plan for the future. They trample on family and friends for they don’t put value in having that relationship in the future. The only value they put on a person is whether they will help them get their next fix. If they could only take one day at a time staying off the drug, everyday would be easier than the previous. The temptations to return to their habit would become less frequent and weaker.
If you have ever talked with a drug addict suffering from withdrawal, you will not know what the best solution is to their situation. They have gotten themselves into a big mess. Big messes are not always easy to get out of. They will more than likely have to suffer through a recovery process. They will have to fight their way out. It most likely will not be an easy process. The sad thing is many often go right back to their habit. There does not seem to be a definite solution for any certain individual. Whatever the case may be, hopefully they will continue to try all their resources until they succeed. Too many times, they want to solve the problem themselves because of pride or shame. God can be a help no matter what resources are used in treatment. He can bring success to any situation. He can also give us the strength to resist the things that are not good. The only way to have access to the power God has is to ask for His help and allow Him to do the guiding. We must be willing to be obedient to what He tells us. We must keep saying, “No” to those things that have been holding us back.
An addict going through withdrawal will say, “It feels like my skin is burning off.” That sounds like hell. Hell is fire that we cannot escape from and that will not consume us which means forever with no relief. The sad thing is they will often say, “I just want to die.” What a sad scenario because there are ways out while we are on earth but after death, there will be no escape. They believe that death will give them relief. God offers real relief both for the situations we get ourselves into here on earth as well as a home in eternity where there will be no pain and suffering. The choices seem so plain to those that walk with Christ but Satan has deceived the addict into believing false statements. Addiction is not something a person should be trying to handle on their own. They will need help not only to get off of what they are using but also to stay off. If you know someone suffering, pray for them. It may be a long, dark tunnel before we see the light. If you are suffering, pray for yourself and seek help from professionals and those that love you. The ones that enable your habit are not the ones that genuinely care.
Sometimes we get down or discouraged maybe from illness or injury. These are perfect times to spend those down times with God. We are so often so busy that we don’t take the time we should in prayer and reading God’s Word. It may even be what God allowed in our life to slow us down. Only blessings will come by our time well spent so give it a try. Encouragement and growth will come and it will give you something productive to do. Watching a Bible based sermon on TV vs. choosing just any show will bring about more benefit. Reading God’s Word vs. any old book will bring about more benefit. Since God’s Word is alive, it is fresh even when we reread it. Spending time with God will bring challenges and excitement while some of the other activities can bring boredom when we spend too much time on them.
Funerals started yesterday for the young children that were victims in the Connecticut school shooting. Keep the families in your prayers.
We all have moments when we feel like we can’t go on anymore.
When we feel like evil is all around us, we need to keep our focus on God. He is bigger than all of it. If we focus on the things around us, we get the wrong perspective. Allow God to be the air you breath. Get your strength from Him.
Often times, when we have a crisis in our life, smaller crisis also come up against us causing us to feel overwhelmed. We wonder how we can take much more. Hang on and keep God in your life. He will be your source of whatever you need.
Twas’ 11 days before Christmas, around 9:38
when 20 beautiful children stormed through heaven’s gate.
Their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air.
They could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there.
They were filled with such joy; they didn’t know what to say.
They remembered nothing of what had happened earlier that day.
“where are we?” asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse.
“This is heaven” declared a small boy. “We’re spending Christmas at God’s house”.
When what to their wondering eyes did appear,
but Jesus, their savior, the children gathered near.
He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same.
Then He opened His arms and He called them by name.
And in that moment was joy, that only heaven can bring
those children all flew into the arms of their King
and as they lingered in the warmth of His embrace,
one small girl turned and looked at Jesus’ face.
And as if He could read all the questions she had
He gently whispered to her, “I’ll take care of mom and dad.
“then He looked down on earth, the world far below
He saw all of the hurt, the sorrow, and woe,
then He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand,
“Let My power and presence re-enter this land!
“May this country be delivered from the hands of fools”
“I’m taking back my nation. I’m taking back my schools!
“Then He and the children stood up without a sound.
“Come now my children let me show you around.
“Excitement filled the space, some skipped, and some ran,
all displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can.
And I heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight,
“in the midst of this darkness,” I AM STILL THE LIGHT.”