Far from it. This is a lifetime journey. The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous is a wonderful tool for discovering and recovering but let's face it, this is 2008, nearly 2009. We need to look at recovery in light of the world we live in which is a whole lot different than in the 1950's.
Imagine the kinds of commercials we see on TV today broadcasting between episodes of Andy Griffith and Father Knows Best in the early 1960's... Slinky women slithering across the sceen during prime time; ads for feminine products; Viagra; contraception; abortion clinics...These things would have been considered in very bad taste if not outright illegal.
We are tempted by things today our forefathers in recovery didn't have thrown in their faces every five minutes, sitting in their own homes. We live in a new world and must be prepared to face our tempters. We need to be fit for the fight. There are some conditions that we have to avoid in order to stand firm against our enemies...
...Enemies of recovery. When I'm hungry, angry, lonely or tired, I'm more vulnerable to reaching for a quick fix. These are the times when Satan comes hissing in my ear, "what's the use anyway? It'll make you feel better, go ahead. Eat that bag of chips. Drink that bottle of wine. Swallow those pills." He entices me to give in to that base urge, that chasm in the gut that screams at me to be filled. Hungry - feed the spirit on Scripture.
8 Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men, 9 for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things. ~Ps 107:8-9
Angry - soothe the spirit with Scripture.
8 Refrain from anger and turn from wrath;do not fret — it leads only to evil. 9 For evil men will be cut off, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land. ~Ps 37:8-9
Lonely - comfort the spirit with Scripture. Call someone.
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. ~2 Cor 1:3-4
Tired - rest the spirit with Scripture. And let yourself rest. Take a nap. Go to bed early.
28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ~Matt 11:28-29
28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ~Matt 11:28-29
Scripture is the universal answer to every problem. It is the balm that soothes the soul, refreshment for your mind, and sustenance for your heart - not the words but the One from whom the words emanate. He calls us by name, He wants to fill every need. Whenever the enemy stalks you with his lies, run to the One with all the answers. He will lift you up!
Father, hide me in Your wings, heal the wounds, feed my soul. Take away all that separates me from You and draw me near. In Your presence I find comfort. In You I find rest. In You I am satiated. In You, the storm is but a breeze. By the blood of Jesus, In His loving care, I am safe in You, amen.
