What does it mean to have a close relationship with God? Well, the truth is, everyone’s relationship with God is unique to them. Some may choose to connect with God by taking time to pray throughout the day, every day. Others may feel closest to God by participating in church services several times a week or through fellowship with other believers. Some may benefit most from reading and studying scripture, as they feel closest with God while reading and exploring His word.
Seeking God after substance abuse is such an important part of treatment and recovery. The Twelve Steps involve relying on, connecting with, and trusting in God or a higher power as a central component of your recovery. It is important to learn how to create and grow this relationship to ensure you know where to turn when you need help. God and spirituality play an important role when it comes to recovering from substance abuse and preventing future relapse.
Prayer
The power of prayer can be huge. If you’ve ever experienced the healing power of prayer, you know that when all else fails, it can be your saving grace. Prayer is something we encourage daily at Renaissance Ranch. We believe that putting your trust and faith in God or a higher power during treatment and recovery is essential to your progress. You have to come to terms with the fact that you are not in control as a result of your addiction. You must find peace in knowing that God is in control.
Prayer helps build a bridge between you and God or your higher power. Relinquishing that sense of control and processing that loss can be very difficult. Communicating and staying connected to God, whom you have put your faith and trust in through this process, can help you feel a little more involved and at ease.
Church
When was the last time you went to church? The truth about church is that everyone can benefit from it in some way. Hearing the gospel spoken to you through the words of a pastor can be very powerful. Maybe it is the music that touches you, or perhaps the feeling of being among a group of believers that ultimately moves you to feel God’s presence.
Joining spiritual groups and church services are a great way to meet other like-minded people. It is so important to have a strong support system or network of people in your corner as you go through treatment and enter into recovery. Churches often offer small groups that bring people together of similar age, marital status, or who may be in similar places in life. Some may even offer groups specifically for those who have experienced addiction.
This fellowship can bring you closer to God and leave you feeling more encouraged and less alone. As you know, accountability is a huge component when it comes to staying on track during treatment and recovery. Some accountability when it comes to your relationship with God is just as important.
Scripture
Scripture is a big piece of the puzzle for many. No matter the situation or challenge you are facing, you can be assured there is scripture to address what you’re going through. There are countless verses and chapters about the value of putting your trust and faith in God when you have nothing left to give.
Reading scripture can be both informative and motivating during treatment and recovery. When you are feeling low or alone, reading scripture can help restore your faith and hope. Setting aside some quiet time to study scripture and spend some time in prayer each day can help strengthen your relationship with God or a higher power.
Where do you stand in your relationship with God? If you aren’t sure or are questioning your relationship, consider prayer, going to church, getting involved in spiritual groups, or reading some scripture. You might be surprised by how much you gain from any or all of these activities. There are many different options to explore how spirituality can be incorporated into the treatment experience.
Being able to turn to God or a higher power in times of distress is so valuable and can serve as your best line of defense when it comes to avoiding relapse and staying on track. During treatment and in recovery, you’re bound to be faced with some adversity, and you may struggle to stay motivated and on track. Knowing that God has your back and feeling confident in your faith in Him can make all the difference.
Having a strong relationship with God during treatment and recovery can be very beneficial. A few ways to strengthen and continue to grow your relationship with God can include prayer, reading and studying scripture, and attending church or small groups. At Renaissance Ranch, we incorporate spiritual principles combined with other evidenced based strategies as part of our treatment program. We believe in the power of a relationship with God, and encourage clients to lean on Him during treatment and throughout recovery. Prayer and involvement in church and spiritual gatherings are encouraged as part of our program. We will help you learn how to talk to, trust in, and find hope in God. If you or someone you love could benefit from building a relationship with God while healing from substance abuse, we would love to help. To begin your recovery journey, call Renaissance Ranch today at (801) 308-8898.