WISDOM FOR REBUILDING

Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.  (Proverbs 25:28 NIV)

What a helpful picture this proverb provides for us who have come out of a chaotic lifestyle in addiction.  While in addiction, our walls were broken down and anyone could enter and cause havoc.  There was no order, no protection and no peace for the people.  However, when we called out to God in our confused state, He brought us to a place where we could start rebuilding a safe and secure life in recovery.

O Lord, I have come to you for protection; don’t let me be disgraced.  Save me, for you do what is right.  Turn your ear to listen to me; rescue me quickly.  Be my rock of protection, a fortress where I will be safe. (Psalm 31:1-2 NLT)

In the Bible we read how Nehemiah and the residents rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem which had been broken down. Nehemiah and the people had to have courage and self-control to do the work and finish the job.  They faced cynics who criticized their work and sneered at them each day saying that the wall they were building would never be strong enough and all the gaps would never be filled.  Through it all Nehemiah and the people of Jerusalem persevered, and the walls of Jerusalem were rebuilt in an amazingly short period of time.

So on October 2 the wall was finished—just fifty-two days after we had begun. When our enemies and the surrounding nations heard about it, they were frightened and humiliated. They realized this work had been done with the help of our God.  (Nehemiah 6:15-16 NLT)

When we follow the ways of God, He will watch over and protect us as we rebuild our lives.  There will be some who think that we can never achieve sobriety and self-control.  However, if we persevere and follow God’s ways, we will succeed in the face of adversity, just as Nehemiah and the people of Jerusalem did. 

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I need courage and self-control to face the task of rebuilding my life.   Help me to obey Your teaching and persevere in following Your ways. Amen