Last month, I wrote a post sharing that Merriam-Webster’s word for last year was pandemic.
A pandemic is defined as an outbreak of a disease that occurs over a wide geographic area (such as multiple countries or continents) and typically affects a sizable proportion of the population. COVID-19 certainly fits that description. It is a virus that has impacted many people, many ways. For some, the economic damage has been more tragic than the actual thing seeking to kill us.
This can lead us to difficult and dark places unfit for human habitation like isolation and discouragement. In making my rounds as a workplace chaplain, I encounter people daily who are at the end of their rope; they are angry, frustrated, and wallowing in their addictions. This is no way to live.
A new year brings with it a fresh start and new opportunities. Maybe you’ve been struggling with addiction, either as a result of being unable to cope with the madness of the pandemic or simply finding yourself unable to manage your own life on your best day.
When I finally found the way out of my addictions a quarter-century ago, I had grown desperate. I was so sick of the insanity my life had become and the poor decisions I continued to seemingly make every day that I knew something—or someone—had to give. God—as I understood Him then—made it clear that to continue on the road I was on meant certain death. There would be no new year for me if I chose to stay the course. This meant swallowing any ounce of pride I had left and admitting that I had grown powerless over my addictions and that I could not fix myself. I had to recognize I needed help and I had to be willing to get it.
Perhaps. that describes where you find yourself today.
If so, know that you don’t have to die to get out. You can live a rich and abundant life filled with joy, love, peace, and happiness. You can learn to face life head-on, overcome obstacles, and conquer the demons that seek to destroy you. It all starts with taking the first step.
Reflection Questions:
- Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired?
- Are you suffering from soul-sickness?
- Do you want to change and be transformed?
- Do you recognize your inability to help yourself?
- Are you ready to admit that you are powerless over your addictions?
Prayer:
Lord, help me live one day at a time, focusing on today, not fretting about tomorrow or mourning the sins of the past. Help me overcome my faults, flaws, and weaknesses. Remove from me all anger, bitterness, envy, jealousy, and every form of unkindness. Create in me a clean heart, a sound mind, and a transformed self that seeks to serve others. Amen.
May the Lord bless you and keep you; May His face shine on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace (Numbers 6:24-26). Treat others the way you want them to treat you (Luke 6:31). If you lead people, I pray you lead them well.
I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for a clean slate.
Blessings,
The Devotional Guy™
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The Devotional Guy™ 
So glad you chose a life of sobriety and to follow Jesus, my friend!
I’ve learned so much about addictions since Steve has chosen that area as one of his main focuses as a Christian counselor. It is insidious. He works with teens who have been drinking and doing drugs since they were children. Please keep sharing the message that help is available. Whatever form the addiction takes, no one has to fight this battle alone.
2 Peter 3:18
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Thanks Kathryn. I am too. Addiction is extremely insidious, like the serpent in the garden. And a battle no one should fight alone. I appreciate you voicing your thoughts and sharing your experiences. Blessings.
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