As Jesus followers we are called into the Kingdom Life. This blog will help us converse and learn what that means. It will contain thoughts on Scripture, Sermon Reflection, Leadership Training and interesting reads. -Pastor Jeff

Friday, March 27, 2020

Road to Relapse

HALT! Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired!
It’s the acronym I was introduced to throughout my recovery journey. It’s the acronym that invites a person to recognize the warning signs that might lead to a relapse. HALT! Don’t allow yourself to get too Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired.

Well, this season isn’t the easiest to self-regulate for a lot of people. This morning in my quiet time I found myself praying fervently for my friends still navigating their recovery journey. As I prayed, I was reminded of the ten moves I learned throughout my recovery journey.

To those of you that are struggling right now, tempted to act on your addiction, to succumb to both the impulsivity and compulsivity of your hurt, habit, and hang-up, I share these thoughts with you.

  1. DRAW NEAR: Shame isolates. When we feel weak or perhaps we’ve already stumbled shame settles in. When it does it pushes us from the grace-filled healing presence of Jesus. Remember what James writes, 4:7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God and he will draw near to you. This is not a moment to run from, but to run towards Jesus.
  2. TURN OVER: Stop white-knuckling your pain and addiction. You are trying to will your way out of your struggle and you are becoming weary. Turn it over to the Lord right now. Open up the palms of your hands, put it on display, confess, and give it to Jesus.
  3. STAY ALERT: Know your triggers. What are the danger signs? Where are you starting to flirt with temptation or nurse a justification to act out? It’s time to pause, self-reflect, take note and CALL YOUR SPONSOR!!
  4. GET UP: Too late Jeff, I’ve already stumbled. Well, don’t just lay there in the mess of shame and failure. Get up! Today is a new day. Recovery is one day at a time. So you lost your 6 month coin, there’s another one waiting for you. Get up and lean into this day!
  5. GET OUT: If you are in a situation or moment that you know you shouldn’t be. If you are facing a temptation that will take you past your breaking point, get out! Get out of the house and go for a walk. Get out of that group and CALL YOUR SPONSOR! Get out of the liquor store and did I mention...CALL YOUR SPONSOR.
  6. BE COURAGEOUS: Recovery is not for the weak of heart. You know the difference between people in recovery and everyone else, people in recovery had the courage to admit they had an issue. Most others just hide their hurt, habit, and hang-up. You are bold and courageous. That’s why you are in recovery. Live in the grace of the strength and power the Lord has given you.
  7. TURN AROUND: Otherwise known as repent. If you are doing it, stop! about face, and go the other way. Repentance isn’t a one time affair. Do it over and over again, anytime you find yourself walking toward destruction instead of toward the life giving-grace of Jesus.
  8. BE HONEST: Feeling aren’t facts. We know this. Survey your situation honestly. Take inventory. Write down what you are feeling. Rehearse it with someone you trust or CALL YOUR SPONSOR. Ask for faithful feedback. Don’t deny to others when you are struggling. Don’t make excuses for the missteps. Bring it to light. There is freedom in the light.
  9. SELF-CARE MATTERS: You and I both know this pandemic has thrown off any semblance of routine. That’s not always good for us going through recovery. Take care of yourself. Watch what you are eating. Get out for a walk. Maintain a day off from the stresses of work. Get up at the same time each morning. Don’t scroll late into the evening. Take care of yourself.
  10. LOVE FIERCELY: The best way out of the mess, love someone else. Turn the attention away from yourself and toward others. Call someone. Email someone. Go get groceries for someone. Pray for someone. Turn the attention away from your pain and toward the need of someone else.

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