Journey Through Proverbs 2:10

Proverbs 2:10 For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.

I don't remember much of my early days of sobriety back in 1990. It seems as though I was running on autopilot, flying in fog most of the time.

Like a sponge, as the alcohol evaporated, I began to soak up the wisdom of those who had worked the program and found peace in abstinence. I wanted what they had and couldn't get enough of it.

As the fog began to clear, and the wisdom started permeating my arid spongy brain, it was indeed pleasant to my soul.

The discovery process was amazing. One day, someone asked me if I'd like to go bowling. For the first time in my life, I stopped to think about that. I asked myself, "would I like to go bowling? Do I like bowling?" Interestingly, when I was drinking, I never gave much thought to what I wanted to do. I did whatever everyone else was doing. Suddenly in sobriety, a whole world of choices opened up and I had to do some evaluating. Grinning ear to ear, I happily told my friend, "no thanks, I don't think I like bowling!"

Now that the fog has cleared, have you figured out what you find pleasant in your soul? This might be good time to do some investigation. Just what do you like to do? What kind of music do you really like to listen to? Would you rather be with people, or be alone? Soak in a tub, or take a quick shower? Read a book, or go to the movies? See an adventure story, romance or comedy?

As you soak up wisdom from working the steps and following instruction, pay attention to who you're becoming, what you love in life, and follow your instincts. This is who God really created you to be. Take pleasure in that!

For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.

O Lord, we rejoice in Your creation, in who we are, just as You made us. May this discovery process bring much joy as we soak up Your wisdom and draw closer in our walk with you. In Jesus' name, amen.

Journey Through Proverbs 2:9

Proverbs 2:9 Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path.

(Then, referring to abiding in the wisdom of God.)

My parents divorced before I could understand the dynamics of marriage and human nature. My dad was a brutal alcoholic who failed to recover because, as one dear life-long family friend put it, "he refused to concede that a power greater than himself could restore him to sanity."

There is literally only one element that determines our ability to stay the course - the wisdom of God. In order to have it, one must believe He has it to give. To believe He has it to give, one must believe He is. If one doesn't believe, well, I think you're smart enough to figure that one out.

Are you one of those? Have you perhaps stumbled onto this blog looking for help and are now laughing, saying to yourself, "you stupid blind sheep, following a fairy-tale shepherd-God."

Okay, let's pretend for a minute you're right. You've realized you're powerless over your addiction, whatever it is, and you want to stop but can't seem to do it on your own. Who, my friend, will you rely on? You can't rely on yourself, you've already proven that. Your friends can't help you - they've all either turned their backs on you in disgust or encouraged you to keep doing what you're doing that's destroying your life. Your parents can't help - maybe they're the reason you're in this mess in the first place. You've destroyed all your relationships, burned all your bridges and now you're out there on your own, laughing at us who trust in a divine Creator.

It's not easy to concede there's a God when you've always been self-reliant. Has your way worked? Are you losing everything because of your addiction? Has it brought you embarrassment and shame?

Let me give you a challenge. Do you believe in air? You can't see it, touch it, pick up in your hand. How do you know it's really there? Do you believe in gravity? Can't see that. Can't pick that up and snuggle it. Don't even have to tie your feet to it. But it keeps your feet firmly planted on the ground.

In the same way, we don't see God. Can't touch or smell or taste Him. But we know He's there because he provides all the intelligence of the universe. He provides the very awareness that you're you. How do I know this? The same way you know your lungs fill with air every time you suck in a breath.

Have you ever been about to do something you shouldn't and heard a little voice in your head say, "probably not a good idea." That's God. You went to McDonald's and ordered that fat-filled nutrient-free Big Mac and a little voice said, "coulda had a V-8." That's God. You got into your car and drove when you were drunk despite the voice that told you, "take a cab." That was God. You smacked your kid when he was crying, demanding he shut up, and the little voice said, "he's just a boy who needs love you do." That's God.

You can deny God until you're blue in the face. Lucky for you, He'll never do that to you. He'll wait as long as it takes and longer. The fact is, if you really want help for your addiction, you'll need to let go of belief in yourself and concede that a power greater than yourself can restore you to sanity.

Then all you have to do is ask.

And wait for the miracle to happen.

It will blow you mind.

Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path. It will all make sense.

O Lord, for the one today who still tries to lean on his own understanding, I pray Your infinite wisdom will permeate the hardened heart and seep into the frozen soul. Would You pour it out like a warm and soothing shower that cleanses body, mind and spirit. Draw him or her to Yourself, wrapped in Your loving mercy, filled with hope and free to grow in Your goodness. In Jesus' name we pray, amen.

If you haven't found a relationship with Jesus Christ and want to know what that's all about, please write to me. He's just waiting patiently for you to call on His name to bring forgiveness and healing to your soul. Just click the Email link at the bottom of the blog and share your story with me.

Journey Through the Proverbs - 2:8

Proverbs 2:8 For HE guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.

Of late, tracing my family history and revisiting early memories have taken me often down paths I'd long forgotten and buried. Although there were moments of peace or joy in my childhood, for the most part, it was full of chaos, fear, dread, sadness and longing for love and security.

My first encounter with Jesus was one of those brief moments of goodness when I was five. If I charted the spiritual route from physical birth to when I was reborn in Christ, I can pinpoint each encounter with my Savior clearly, each nuance of His presence in my life, the number of times He physically saved me from death or serious harm.

There have been times after sobriety and in my walk of faith that I've been angry at circumstances and screamed at God, "why did I have to live this life?! Why couldn't I grow up in a normal healthy family?!" The Holy Spirit has always given me the same answer, "it's all part of the plan for your life to be used for the purposes of God for His glory."

I may not want to be on this particular path, but it's mine. It's the one chosen for me by my omniscient Father in heaven who certainly knows what's best. Sometimes I stand in the shadows, moving only by the prodding of the Holy Spirit. Sometimes I stand in the shafts of warm sunlight, basking in soothing rays of comfort. Always, I know God is with me, Guard and and Protector of the faithful.

O Lord my God! May we always be faithful, may we always turn to You in every difficulty and praise Your holy name, understanding that all we go through is ultimately for our own good and Your glory. May we never forget the many times you have saved us from the pit of despair, the hands of death, and the fear of loss. That we may remain abstinent from those things that ensnare us with addiction, strengthen our faith, bolster our resolve, shine a light in our hearts to bring hope for a better tomorrow. In Jesus' name, amen.

Journey Through the Proverbs - 2:7

Proverbs 2:7 He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless.

In the months before I got sober, I was living with a man in Phoenix, whom at one point I thought I would marry. He tried to control my drinking by allowing me no more than two beers each evening.

I had reached a low point in my life after my father died and nothing made sense to me. In searching for answers I met with a priest and told him I wanted to get right with God. He heard my confession and then said something like, "I cannot absolve you of your sins for I don't believe you're ready to give up your lifestyle and your confession is meaningless."

I left his office feeling rejected with a hole in my heart as big as the universe. Soon I moved out of my boyfriend's house, but not to prove the priest wrong because what he said was true. I needed the freedom to drink what I wanted, when I wanted. Yet in the stillness of the nights I had begun to pray that God would help me do what was right.

A few months later, without a conscious thought about changing jobs, I found myself looking at the want ads for some reason. I answered a post for a position in San Diego. By Providence, like a child thrown into the currents of a great river, over the next several years I was carried through circumstances and events that utterly changed my life and brought me to where I am today: a solid Christian; an instrument of God; conforming to His will as best I can.

For my husband's 45th birthday, I gave him a whitewater rafting trip he'd always wanted, bearing along Clear Creek through a glorious canyon. Before we put the raft in the water, our guide gave us careful instruction and made sure everyone understood what we were supposed to do to survive the trip. There were some tricky and dangerous rapids and huge rocks to navigate around. Our ears were completely attuned to hearing our guide. With direction from our fearless leader behind us calling out commands, we made it safely to our destination without capsizing or losing anyone. Our victory was exhilarating.

Our Father in heaven knows when we earnestly seek Him to live for His purposes, not ours. He provides the raft, the oars, and the strength. We have to do the work but our Guide is always behind us, calling out instructions. If we're to survive the course and experience the joy, we must be tuned into Him.

As a result of letting go of my plans and desires and seeking God's will for me, He is steadily carrying me along this stream of life cradled in the protection of His love. He shields me from dangerous rocks that loom in my path, undercurrents that try to suck me under and every kind of stormy weather. Some days the current is smooth and restful. Most days I'm just hanging on praying for strength to stay the course. But every victory is exhilarating!

If you're ready for the ride of your life, Your Father has prepared a raft for you. He will carry you through all the turmoil of life by the safest, most beautiful route. He provides what you need and the Holy Spirit will guide you with wisdom. Push off, it's exhilarating!

He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless.

O Lord, this is a rough and dangerous ride, yet beautiful and invigorating. May we stop fighting the current, sit upright, listen to Your instruction, be shielded from danger, and be blessed on this journey. In Jesus' name we pray, amen.

Journey Through Proverbs 2:6

Proverbs 2:6 For the LORD gives wisdom, and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.

I have committed to the Lord, to myself and to you that I will share my quiet time journal every day for the glory of God. I do love to write and it comes naturally to me. I actually think better when I can see my thoughts on paper, or the computer screen, whichever the case may be. But that doesn't mean it's easy.

It takes discipline to do this the first thing every single day. I write three blogs, each with a different Scriptural focus. I derive great joy and satisfaction from doing so, but it comes with a great degree of accountability and responsibility.

As I sit here and ponder the words of Solomon this morning, reading them out loud, slowly, many times, I'm asking the Holy Spirit what He wants to teach me that I can share.

For the LORD gives wisdom, and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. In truth, from God's mouth comes EVERYTHING. He spoke, it became. Scripture is the inspiration of God Himself, given to those who diligently put pen to papyrus thousands of years ago. What they did then was not so different than what I do daily. They wanted to be sure God's word was shared and used to further His kingdom for His glory.

In this instance, we look at how the Scripture helps us abstain from our addictions. To many of those in twelve step programs who don't know Jesus or the Bible, the Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, fondly referred to as "the big book," is all the inspiration they need. In fact Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob were both Christian men who returned to the faith of their youth when they sobered up. The wisdom of the twelve steps is taken directly from the Bible. Whether non-Christian people in recovery want to acknowledge it or not, Jesus is affecting them to remain abstinent.

In the first three steps of AA we admit we're powerless over our addictions, acknowledge that only a power greater than ourselves can restore us to sanity, and make a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God (as we understand Him.)

In becoming a Christian, we admit we're sinners, acknowledge that Jesus is the Savior, and make a decision to follow Him and do the will of God. (Acts 16:31, Romans 3:22, Romans 10:10)

In Steps Four through nine, we consider all we've done, confess our sins and do all that we can to make amends for our damaging behavior.

As a Christian we continually seek the Holy Spirit's conviction of sin and confess often, promptly correct our wrongdoing, and seek God's will for our lives, praying for change in our hearts and willingness to overcome adversity. (1 John 1:9, 1 Peter 3:11)

In the last three Steps of the program, we continually watch for problems, adjusting where necessary. We seek God through daily prayer and meditation to grow along spiritual lines, and having overcome our addictions, we reach out to others however possible.

As we begin to grow in Christian faith, we pray, meditate on and memorize Scripture. Finally, we are convicted to share the gospel, the good news of the saving grace of Jesus, with others. (Acts. 20:24, Mark 16:15)

The parallels are unmistakable. The wisdom of our recovery program comes straight from the Bible. If we believe the Bible is the inspired word of God, inerrant in the original text and rightly translated for modern understanding, we comprehend that Scripture is direct communication from our Lord Himself. And From His mouth comes wisdom.

Father, You are truly amazing. You who created the entire universe, a monumental task we cannot even get our words around let alone our minds and hearts, have given us Your very words to live by. Your wisdom is like sweet music in our ears, purified blood coursing through our veins, sweetest honey on our lips. It is the very bread of life itself. May we meditate on these encouraging thoughts today as we follow our Savior up this holy mountain to meet with You. In Jesus' name we pray, amen.

Journey Through Proverbs 2:1-5

Prov 2:1-5
My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, 2 turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, 3 and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, 4 and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, 5 then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.

If You:

• Accept and store the Word of God in your heart
• Listen to wisdom and apply it to living your life
• Seek godly insight and understanding with zealousness like searching for treasure

Then you will comprehend the magnitude of God's grace and grow in spirit according to His ways.

As I began memorizing Scripture some years ago, it felt a little like high school when I memorized dates and facts, names and information, numbers and formulas. "What's the point?" I'd often say. "Why do I need to know all this stuff?"

From the moment I became a Christian I hungered to know all I could know about God, about Jesus, the relationship of the trinity, and how it all worked in my life. It didn't thrill me to memorize Scripture but I did it because my mentors told me to, never questioning how, when or even if I would ever use it in my life.

Then I hurt my back. The first time I recalled any of that memorized Scripture was laying in an MRI tube for what seemed like hours (it was probably all of 15 minutes) in terror with searing pain shooting down my legs. As tears ran down the sides of my face, I began to pray the 23rd Psalm, over and over. Then suddenly the machine clunked for the last time and I was gliding out into the bright room again. I had remained motionless as instructed and survived the grueling scans.

The next time I recalled Scripture was after a ten hour back surgery when I awoke in agony, unable to move my right ankle and left thigh. At first I could think of nothing but spending the rest of my life in a wheelchair. Again I found myself in the grip of fear. Out of my darkness, I heard a soft voice inside my head utter familiar phrases, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things. Be still and know that I am God. For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your good, to give you hope and a future. He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it. He will never leave nor forsake you."

There have been many other times when the word of God flooded my mind and heart when in pain or fearful, or praying and encouraging someone else.

The beginning of wisdom is fear of the Lord. The next step is to get to know His word, store it in our hearts and live according to His precepts. Not only does God's word guide us in paths of righteousness, Scripture comforts, strengthens and encourages us.

As we live our lives steeped in God's word, we begin to truly worship Him in awe because now we see how magnificent He really is, what power He has, how deep is His love, and how infinite His mercy.

Holy Father, we stand in awe of how perfect Your plans, Your attention to every detail. How foolish we've been to try to function without You, to think we could know what we're doing without the playbook. Thank You for showing us the way, for forgiving us our blunders and for steering us back onto the path when we fall short. May we delve deep into Your Word, store it in our hearts and minds, and call it into play in the hour of need. In Jesus' name we pray, amen.

Journey Through Proverbs 1:33

Proverbs 1:33 But all who listen to me will live in peace and safety, unafraid of harm.

When I was a child, I had no real friends until I met Drew (not her real name.) She was always joking around and everyone loved her. Being with Drew brought me out of my lonely world and changed me completely. I learned to laugh and have fun, and even began to make friends of my own. Being with Drew opened up my world. She was also the one who introduced me to drugs and alcohol.

Drew was raised by good Christian parents. She had everything, to all outward appearances. But inside, she was an empty shell of a human being. When others weren't around she was miserable. I came across some photos of Drew the other day, and in each one she had the same expression on her face that could only be described as broken. There was a consuming sadness in her eyes. No one would ever guess by looking at those photographs that she was a natural comedienne who made everyone else laugh.

Why was Drew so disturbed? Like many of us, the emptiness she'd tried to fill with drugs, alcohol and men, was a God sized void. She needed the Lord.

Drew has been married to a very abusive man for some twenty years now. I connected with her a couple years ago and although her home life didn't look any different than her haunted photos, her heart did. There was a light in her eyes I hadn't seen since childhood. She told me she'd accepted Christ as her Savior and was attending a Christian church across the street from her home.

Life is different when we follow God..."all who listen to me will live in peace and safety, unafraid of harm."

I'm no longer afraid to die and I'm not afraid of evil people. I've often wondered, when I've found myself in a threatening situation, what would I say and do if I was car-jacked, mugged or raped. Many times I've run the scenarios in my head and the conversation is always about the saving grace of Jesus. Although I don't wish it, I'm not afraid of anyone who would do me harm. Ultimately, it would be an opportunity to share the gospel. If I'm killed I'll die in peace, and in the end, I'll be home with my Savior. Some say that's confidence. I say it's Godfidence.

Father, You've promised that all who listen to You will live in peace and safety, unafraid of harm. What a blessed assurance for us living in this dark and unstable world. Thank You that You're always with us, that no matter what happens, You win and we win. May Your word light our way today. We love You and praise You in the name of Jesus, amen.

Walking Through the Proverbs 1:20-27

Proverbs 1:20-27
20 Wisdom shouts in the streets. She cries out in the public square. 21 She calls out to the crowds along the main street, and to those in front of city hall. 22 "You simpletons!" she cries. "How long will you go on being simpleminded? How long will you mockers relish your mocking? How long will you fools fight the facts? 23 Come here and listen to me! I'll pour out the spirit of wisdom upon you and make you wise. 24 "I called you so often, but you didn't come. I reached out to you, but you paid no attention. 25 You ignored my advice and rejected the correction I offered. 26 So I will laugh when you are in trouble! I will mock you when disaster overtakes you — 27 when calamity overcomes you like a storm, when you are engulfed by trouble, and when anguish and distress overwhelm you. NLT

My son is still living in his addiction and is not yet ready to admit it rules him. He is the very description of the one who turns away from wisdom. When things fall apart, he always finds someone else to blame. He refuses to admit the problem is wearing his clothes.

We have all been there, perhaps are even still fighting her. She can be brutal. Our nature is to rebel. "No, not me, I can do this on my own!" we cry, shunning the hand that reaches out to us.

Today is a new day, rather than say "neigh!" like the wild horse in fear, let's say yes to better judgment, the voice of one who's cleared the hard road before us, who understands the joy of abiding in wisdom.

We choose - wisdom and peace, or following our own desires and ultimate folly.

Lord we bow down to You, humbly letting go of our pride, submitting to Your will. Wisdom comes with fear of the Lord. We stand in awe before Your majesty. Rain down Your wisdom to our minds, give us ears to hear and the will to move according to Your purposes. In Jesus' name we pray, amen.

Journey Through Proverbs 1:11-19

If they say, "Come along with us; let's lie in wait for someone's blood, let's waylay some harmless soul; 12 let's swallow them alive, like the grave, and whole, like those who go down to the pit; 13 we will get all sorts of valuable things and fill our houses with plunder; 14 throw in your lot with us, and we will share a common purse"- 15 my son, do not go along with them, do not set foot on their paths; 16 for their feet rush into sin, they are swift to shed blood. 17 How useless to spread a net in full view of all the birds! 18 These men lie in wait for their own blood; they waylay only themselves! 19 Such is the end of all who go after ill-gotten gain; it takes away the lives of those who get it. ~ Proverbs 1:11-19

Like the hungry coyote, the enemy just waits for the one who is caught unaware, sitting idly and comfortably at the river's edge without a care.

Remember the story of the fox and the hen? She needed to get to the other side of the river. The fox said, come, I will take you across the river on my back. The hen nervously refused. But the sly fox kept at her, "surely I will not harm you, trust me." Again and again the hen backed away but at last her desire to get to the other side wore her defenses down and she climbed upon the trusted fox. As he swam to the other side, he suddenly turned and snatched her into his mouth.

Satan is beguiling, as we saw in the Garden of Eden, when he convinced Eve to indulge in the forbidden fruit. The enemy often comes masked as a charming friend or willing helper.

We have all fallen prey to such fools. Maybe it was a friend who convinced us we could have one drink or a parent who scoffs at us for trying to abstain from sweets. Consider those times and how you handled them. What might you have done differently to avoid falling into temptation? Wisdom learns from its mistakes.

These men lie in wait for their own blood; they waylay only themselves!

In the end, we all pay for our actions. Whether we are led astray or lead others down the wrong path. Prudence considers ones options carefully.

Father protect us from our own ignorance. Holy Spirit alert us to the ways of the enemy. Jesus thank You for Your word and promises - all we need is in Scripture! Trusting in the name of Jesus alone, amen.

Journey Through Proverbs 1:10

Prov 1:10 My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. NKJV

What entices us? Where do we get in trouble?

Parties. There is every kind of fat and sugar riddled snacks. There is often alcohol and if not, sugary beverages. Everyone else is enjoying these things, why can't I?

Commercials. We're watching our favorite show or sports and ads for beer, rich junk food, sexual enhancement products, joy-promising medications all seem to call our name tell us it's okay to indulge ourselves. After all, we deserve it don't we?

Friends. These can be the worst. It's no fun to drink alone. Misery loves company even if misery doesn't realize it's miserable. They tell us we can have one drink, on toke, one pill, one Twinkie...

What can we do to protect ourselves from this barrage of enticements? Solomon says simply, "do not consent." Easier said than done, O wise king.

What can I do to keep from consenting?

Pray: procrastinate, read, alter, yearn.

This is one time when Procrastination is a positive thing. Often times, just waiting out the craving is enough to thwart the devil's attempts to draw you into the trap. Do something else. Like pray.

Read something from the Big Book or the Bible until the craving passes.

Alter your habits. If you used to always go get a beer when a commercial came on television, opt instead to read your email, make yourself some tea, or call your sponsor.

Yearn for abstinence more than you desired your crutch. Let your recovery be your crutch. Use the tools you been given to help you on this journey.

Get on the phone and call a sponsor. Take your leave as quickly as possible and get to a meeting. Tell your friend "if you really love me, enjoy a day of sobriety with me." Invite them to a meeting with you. Get new friends. Write in your journal. If you can't avoid all the temptations at a party, don't go to the party. If you can't resist temptation when you watch commercials, get up and go do something the minute they come on. Or better yet, turn the television off and read a good book, go for a walk or meet a friend for coffee. There is an unlimited list of ways you can help yourself through the rough patches.

Whatever you do, don't consent.

Lord, thank You for this simple yet profound wisdom to help us deal with temptations. We know with the Strength of Christ, we can win every battle. We rely on You to see us through. In Jesus' name we pray, amen.

Journey Through Proverbs 1:8-9

Prov 1:8-9 Listen, my son, to your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching. 9 They will be a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck.

Did you follow your parents' advice? Did you conform to society's rules? Did you listen to sage advice from grandparents, aunts, uncles or other significant elders in your life? Were you a compliant child?

Chances are, if you're anything like me, the answer to all of those questions is a resounding "no."

One of the reasons we're traveling this road together is that either we had little or no wise instruction from elders or we chose to plug our ears when the told us what to do.

The saving grace for me was desire. Although I was a rebel, deep down inside I always had a yearning for spiritual knowledge which ultimately drove me to seek help when addiction nailed me to the wall.

So what about now - do you still rebel against authority? Change is never easy. Although I was pretty beat up and willing to go to any lengths to get better, many times I heard myself thinking, "this I will not do." In the end, I could have saved myself a whole lot of grief because my way just didn't work. I may have stayed clean and sober, but there were plenty of white-knuckle moments due my pride telling me I could handle it, I was different.

Save yourself the trouble. You are not different. Say it with me, "I am not different. I can't do this on my own."

When my sponsor told me "no relationships" in the first year of sobriety, that included dating idiots. I didn't listen. I dated a number of mentally unstable men, telling myself they were safe because they were also on the road to recovery. This foolishness compromised my safety and sobriety. Before I'd been sober a year I was engaged to a psychopath. I praise God I didn't marry him after all.

Listen to your sponsor. If you have healthy, "normal" parents, listen to them. If you have a sibling or other relative who has it all together, watch them, talk to them, learn from them. Don't be afraid to learn from someone younger than you. I have a sister who's twelve years older than I that I prayed for and talked to for many years about recovery. She nearly died from alcohol poisoning before finally getting sober three years ago. Your bottom doesn't have to be that deep.

Seek wise counsel. Go to meetings. Journal your recovery. Praise God and pray. Live long and enjoy the journey.

Dear Lord, thank You for Solomon's wisdom. Forgive us for doing things our own way and finding ourselves in the messes we get into. Grant us the wisdom to accept the wisdom of others. In Jesus' name we pray, amen.

Journey Through Proverbs 1

What's wrong with this picture?

We are about to embark on a voyage that may well take the rest of our lives.

As I pondered how to continue with this recovery devotional journal, I thought about going through the Psalms. But I'm doing that with my FaithWalkDaily devotion so I wanted to do something different. It occurs to me that from the Bible the best advice for those recovering from addiction is found in the book of Proverbs.

A little background for those who don't know. Proverbs were written by Solomon, son of David (great, great, great...granddaddy of Jesus.) God offered Solomon anything his heart desired. Solomon asked only for wisdom. For his humble request the Lord not only blessed him with more wisdom than anyone of his day, he also bestowed him with abundant wealth. Solomon was a very rich smart guy. We are wise to read what he had to say, as applicable today as it was when Solomon ruled Israel.

The first lesson we might learn from King Solomon's decision is God blesses the humble.

Proverbs 1:1-7
1 The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:
2 for attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight; 3 for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair; 4 for giving prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young —5 let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance —6 for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise. 7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

He wrote the book to pass on his wisdom to others. Believe me, writing takes time and effort, even if one loves to write as I do. Imagine the setting, back in the day, before computers, typewriters, even before ballpoint pens and college ruled spiral notebooks. He was writing on parchment with a quill pen dipped in ink. If he wrote at all. He may well have had a scribe who did all the work while the King spoke. Either way, this was no small task. There are, in all, thirty-one chapters in this book, some quite lengthy. We will only chew on a few verses at a time.

The goal in writing this book was for the sake of the reader to acquire a disciplined life, mindful of others, in manner, attitude and actions. Solomon ends the first chapter with his first morsel of wisdom: The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

One of the greatest if not the greatest tools of recovery is the wisdom of those who have gone before. I may be clean and sober 18 years but there is always someone who has walked this path longer than I, who has more to offer. We are always one bite, one sip, one snort, or one image away from falling back into the pit of our addictions.

So first, to fear the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. We must first believe God exists and realize the magnitude of His greatness (He created everything, including us, what more can be said?) What does that say about the man who does not believe God? He believes himself. He despises wisdom and discipline. He'd rather do it his own way.

You and I already know how far going our own way can take us. For me, it was right to the edge of hell. One more step into alcoholism and I would have fallen into a bottomless chasm from which there was not return.

When I called a friend from my youth who had been something of a surrogate mother to me, the beginning of wisdom was following direction when she said, "call AA." It was through AA that I came to believe in a power greater than myself and ultimately came to faith in Jesus Christ.

I'm going to expose the raw truth about me. Wisdom told me 25 years ago not to leave my three young sons to move to another state. I shunned wisdom. I despised discipline. I did it my way. As a result I lost custody and sank to the lowest depths of the bottle. It has taken me many, many years to rebuild relationships with those young men, the same you see pictured above. It's not all good now. It gets better every day, month by month, year by year. But they too now fight the beast. What's wrong with the picture? They're all hungover.

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge. He is a merciful and loving God who guides me in recovery to stay clean, sober and abstinent, one day at a time by the power of the Holy Spirit. He gives me wisdom to study His word and live a disciplined life. He guides me in paths of righteousness and is helps me rebuild torn relationships and heal broken hearts.

Fools despise wisdom and discipline. I praise God that I am no longer a fool, but cherish the wisdom of those who share their experience, strength and hope with me. I welcome discipline, even when it hurts. Being refined is a painful process but the final result is a sparkling gem in the crown of my Lord and Savior.

Father we come to You today hungry for Your wisdom, with desire to grow in knowledge and faith, willing to accept the refiner's fire to be tempered for Your purposes. We praise and thank You for the marvelous ways You are working in each of our lives. In Jesus' name, amen.

Starting Over

On days when I was ready to give it all up and reach for the bottle, my sponsor would say, "it's okay, you can start over today." That's one of my favorite lessons of recovery. I can start over any time I need to.

Leave your foolish ways behind, and begin to live; learn how to be wise. ~Prov 9:6

Starting over doesn't mean it's okay to indulge my addiction and then repent. What it means is, a bad day doesn't last forever. We all have bad days. We can just start fresh from that point. If it does mean a slip, we can forgive ourselves and start over with new and stronger resolve to do better.

My husband and I use this in our marriage every time we bicker about something. One of us will have the heart to say, "can we just start over?" We just stop where we are, let go of the battle and resolve to forgive and forget whatever caused the tension between us. This has been a lifeline for our marriage. After 13 years of marriage, we are more in love and better in our communication every day. We continue to grow along spiritual lines together.

It's not about changing the situation, it's about changing an attitude. I can cancel my stinking thinking and come at the subject with a fresh perspective when I start over. Just take a deep breath, let go of whatever is frustrating me and go at it from a new angle.

We can all make that commitment in any area of our lives. Angry at your boss? Start over. Underwear in a bunch over traffic? Start over. Family upsetting you? Start over. Neighbors complaining about your dog? Start over.

New Year. New opportunities to approach life from new angles. Start over.

Lord, help us to leave our foolish ways behind and see things clearly from Your angle. Teach us to be wise. In Jesus' name, amen.