A Contemporary Psalm of Hope and Recovery

Growing up I yearned to be great at something. I equated being great with being loved. I didn’t really understand love. I didn’t comprehend it. I probably still struggle with it nowadays. Thanks to Jesus and to my wife, Terri, I understand it better than I did once.

I’m not 100 percent sure how I wound up being an alcoholic and an addict. At the time, I just liked to work on my tan and party [Lofty goals, I know].

This Saturday, I’m preaching at our new home church. It’s a church plant that meets in an old Baptist church down the street from where I had a significant Jesus encounter back in 1995. That Jesus encounter led to my sobriety and journey of recovery nearly 28 years ago. Funny how God works.

It will be the second time in ten days that I have the privilege and honor of sharing God’s word through preaching. That the Lord would see fit to use me to deliver His message of hope and repentance is beyond mind-blowing to me. But, I’m glad that He gives me the opportunity to share the love He has shown me with others.

God’s love does miracles.

I pray you enjoy the psalm about recovery.

Rainer Bantau

The Devotional Guy™

And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.

1 John 4:16 (New International Version)

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A Psalm of Hope and Recovery

1. Oh, my soul was once lost in darkness deep, Bound and enslaved in addiction’s grip; in a pit so steep I had to look up to see bottom.

2. But, thanks be to God, now, each day, I rise with newfound might, ready to walk in recovery’s light.

3. I am a warrior who’s battled battled demons, both fierce and cruel; relentless temptations I did duel.

4. I found true strength in the embrace of surrender. I discovered hope in the grasp of submission.

5. I experienced God’s mercy and grace as I laid down my troubles and cares at His feet.

6. Jesus swept over me, washing me clean. the Holy Spirit’s refining fire purifying me daily, restoring my broken soul.

7. The work continues, transforming my mind and heart, by God’s goodness alone.

8. Letting go of vices, old ways and bad habits, I found inner grace—serenity—healing and growth.

9. In my journey from rock bottom to a higher plane, I’ve found redemption, free from shame.

10. I’ve learned to face my past with brutal honesty; Making amends, seeking forgiveness quickly and gracefully.

11. Accepting my mistakes, making them right; Rebuilding relationships, through love’s pure light.

12. My heart is filled with gratitude. My cup overflows.

13. For fellow travelers on this recovery road, I share this encouraging word: “It works if you work it.”

14. With gratitude in my heart, and a spirit that’s free; living one day at a time, fueled by faith, hope, and resilience; that’s me.

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I didn’t know how much God could change my life. I didn’t know that He loved me until I experienced His love for me. My prayer is that you would know that love, too.

The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.

2 Peter 3:9 (New Living Translation)

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The Devotional Guy™ Rainer Bantau © 2023