REJECTING CONDEMNATION

Steadily moving forward in recovery is not easy.  As we awaken out of the haze of our addiction, our minds are often filled with memories of things done to us and things we have done to others.  We tend to live in self-condemnation and the disapproval of those we have harmed. Sleepless nights and restless days challenge us.  Painful memories often surface when we write out an honest moral inventory.  However, if we will give our will and life over to the care of God, there is hope for each of us to leave the past behind and move forward to become the person we were created to be.

Remember your promise to me, your servant.  It gives me hope.  You comfort me in my suffering, because your promise gives me new life.  (Psalm 119:49-50 ERV)

The Bible is a handbook filled with guidelines for living wisely as our creator intended, and though we may be faithfully following God’s laws sometimes storms will arise.  Jesus told us that in this world we will have trouble. So, when trouble does arise, we need not do the devil’s work for him and blame ourselves for the situation.  The devil constantly lies. Jesus even said there is no truth in him.  Just because we have encountered a problem, we should not be upset and join our enemy in condemning ourselves.  If we ask Him, God has promised to give us direction in the way we should go, and God’s instructions are always and forever reliable. 

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. (Romans 8:1 NKJV)

God’s words of comfort and His faithful promise of forgiveness and restoration are the foundation of our hope and strength as we move forward in our life in recovery.  We need to encourage ourselves with the truth that God will work all things together for our good.  God is the one who opens the way before us.  His endless love and guidance will bring us to a safe and successful destination. 

Prayer: Heavenly Father, My desire is to follow You in all my affairs.  When the devil taunts me with condemning accusations and tries to disturb my life, I will refuse His lies and trust You to lead me forward in the truth of who You say I am in Jesus.  Amen