Yesterday I studied about rebellion against God. I was surprised to find a passage in Psalms that almost talked directly about the cycle of addiction.
First it talks about the redeemed of the Lord – those who He has delivered from the hand of the enemy.
O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
These people were wandering in unknown paths, they were hungry and thirsty, and then the cried unto the Lord and he delivered them. He led them and guided them (they followed His will for them),
Then it says (the first of four times):
Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
It goes on to say that He will satisfy the longing soul and will take care of those that hunger and thirst after righteousness.
After talking about this, the scripture then talks about how the people became lost:
10 Such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, being bound in affliction and iron;
11 Because they rebelled against the words of God, and contemned the counsel of the most High:
12 Therefore he brought down their heart with labour; they fell down, and there was none to help.
To me, this is talking about addiction. “Sit in darkness,” “in the shadow of [spiritual] death”, “being bound in affliction and iron” – these are all addictive issues.
But then there’s hope, there’s a way to be relieved from this awful state:
13 Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them out of their distresses.
One of the keys to getting away from addiction is to surrender, to cry unto the Lord and submit my will to His. Then to BELIEVE He will be there for me.
Because, once I cry unto the Lord, this is what He’ll do:
14 He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and brake their bands in sunder.
Bring me out of darkness, assist me in braking the bands that do so easily bind me and hold me captive.
Here’s another solution for the addiction:
20 He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.
The word of God!
Reminds me of the scripture in Alma 32:3:
“…feast upon the words of Christ, for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.”
I took some time to ponder on this scripture and practice what it talks about in the program I’m working on – meditation. I repeated this scripture over and over again as I sat at my chair. The truth is, I did this a few times and then dozed off, then woke up, started again, got distracted with thoughts, then dozed off again. 🙂 But, I’m trying.
Finally, a tender mercy. I mentioned in my study yesterday how I’d lost my wallet. I’d looked “everywhere”, had called around, and had considered it lost. I was pretty frustrated because it meant that I’d have to get a bunch of things renewed: my temple recommend, my driver’s license, credit cards, etc.
Becky prayed for me. Madi prayed for me. I ultimately I said a prayer.
Last night after young men’s, I came home sweaty from playing a little basketball. I took a bath and then got on new garments, which were in a laundry basket. Low and behold, I FOUND MY WALLET! It was in the laundry basket.
I was so happy and felt so good about it all.
I’m so grateful for Becky – that she’s supportive, understanding, hopeful, and forgiving. I’m grateful that we can talk about vulnerabilities and challenges.
I’m grateful for the kids and feel my relationship with them is improving. I’m learning how to control my temper and not take things so seriously.
I’m grateful for Heavenly Father and how He blesses me when I’m worthy and willing.
I’m grateful for Jesus Christ and his Atonement. I know he died for me and knows what I’m going through. I know He still wants what’s best for me and wants me to succeed.
I’m grateful I made time to study this morning.
I’m grateful for recovery.
Hasta manana!
Nate
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