Addiction can be scary and demoralizing. We often feel out of control, as if we have no choices, just repeated cycles of pain, shame, and guilt. The truth is, you’re not doing this alone. Jesus walks with you, ready to step in and give you the strength to fight your battles. You only need to learn how to access that power. Scripture memorization is one of the tools that help you claim the Lord’s promises.
So, what promises can you claim? How do you find the right scriptures? How do you access the power of the word of God in your recovery?
(John-Mark Smith/Pexels)
Is Reading Scripture Enough?
It’s all good to say that scripture helps you recover, but how do you access that help? Reading scripture isn’t enough. You could read the scriptures every day and still never claim the promises in their pages. Faith isn’t a spectator sport. You must jump in and act on the promises to access their power.
That being said, reading is the best way to find power verses to hold close in bad times. Read daily from the word of God. Write verses that jump out at you on 3×5 cards. Rehearse your power verses often throughout the day. Always have them close by. Pull them out when you’re struggling, lonely, or weary. Call on God and ask him to do for you as he did for the people in the Bible. Claim his word and turn your burdens over to him.
3 Promises God Made For People In Recovery?
Here are some specific promises God made to you within the pages of the Bible.
1. God promised to walk by our side in times of difficulty.
- “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”- Matthew 11:28-30
- “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”- Hebrews 4:16
- “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea…The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.”- Psalm 46:1,2,7
- Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”- Joshua 1: 8-9
2. God promised to give us power to fight our demons.
- “And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved; for on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be deliverance…”- Joel 2:32
- “Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He sent out his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave.”- Psalm 107:19
- “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body- Philippians 3:21
- “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” 2 Corinthians 9:6
3. God promised to forgive our sins, so we can move forward to a better life.
- “Who then can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”-Luke 18: 26-27
- “Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.”- Isaiah 55: 6-7
Last Thoughts
These verses will get you started on your journey, but never forget, the words only have power because Jesus has power. He loves you. He wants to forgive you and help you move on to a healthier and happier life.
Perhaps his feelings for you are best expressed in his own words:
“Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you that in the same way, there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.”- Luke 15: 4-7
If you’re ready to accept help, reach out to Christian-based rehabilitation centers here in Utah. You can search for “Christian treatment centers.” Or, if you prefer, “addiction recovery center for men (or women).”