When Things Are Going Good-Don’t Foget God

Life seems to mimic the ocean at times, with its waves and storms that seem to have no true set pattern. Sometimes the seas of life are calm, and things seem to be going quite smoothly. Our stresses are down, we are working and our abuse of drugs and alcohol are at a minimum.

But then the storms of life hit us again, just like a 30 foot wave hitting a boat. These storms could come in the loss of a job or loss of a family member. We could be under stress in our relationships, and at turmoil with individuals that we call “friends”

Anyway you look at it, there will be good and bad times. It’s easy to turn to God and hit our knees when things are going bad. Sometimes there is nobody else there but him, as those so called “friends” are in the wind so to speak. We cry out for help and guidance, and it truly seems that God gives us only what we can bear.

But how about the good times,when things are going good? Do we take some time out to thank God for those quiet times, and give him credit for them. God desires to have fellowship with us (through prayer), in the good times and the bad.

So the next time there seems to be a pause in the “drama” in your life or the people around you, give thanks to God. My favorite prayer is…”thank you Lord for another day. I am walking in peace today thanks to you. I know there will be some tough times ahead, but if I stick by your side by continually praying and talking to you through prayer, I know we can get through anything together”….

So that’s it. Keep praying and thanking.  God knows you’re there, he created you in his image. Do you really think that he doesn’t love you? Never!….Until next time….stay well and God Bless….

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Waiting On God Requires Patience

Waiting on God to lend us a hand when we are struggling can really be a challenge. This is especially true when we are struggling with a certain type of addiction. We do the right things and try to hang in there, but we don’t see results right away. It can be tough, but don’t  ever give up

Our culture is not one that teaches patience. Just watch the frustration of drivers behind a car that doesn’t start moving the instant the traffic light turns green. Because of a two-second delay, tempers flare and horns honk. Living in a fast-paced culture programs us to expect everything instantly, and that includes answers to our prayers.

At times, I have been very impatient and frustrated with the Lord when He hasn’t operated according to my schedule. I’ve even tried to manipulate the circumstances so I could present Him with the solution and ask for His blessing. But delayed timing from my perspective is perfect timing from His viewpoint. An omniscient God who is the Creator and Ruler of time can never be late.

Waiting on the Lord requires faith. Just because we can’t see what He’s doing does not mean that He is inactive. Our heavenly Father works outside of our visible realm, arranging and orchestrating events to bring about His plan for our lives. His work is like a seed that is planted deep in a garden—we cannot see the underground process. But just as a plant eventually appears, we can likewise trust that in time, the Lord’s ordained outcome will become evident.

The solution to whatever problem you are facing is in God’s hands. By steadfastly clinging to the truth of His love for you, His knowledge of all things, and His power over every obstacle, you can confidently walk by faith and not by sight. In time, your eyes will see proof of His faithfulness

http://www.intouch.org/magazine/content/topic/waiting_in_faith_devotional

Here at Christian Help For Addiction Online, we are continually praying for you and your recovery. It does take time in many instances, but don’t ever lose faith. God has a way of showing uo in the eleventh hour, so keep praying and wait for God to intervene in your struggles.

Pain Killers—Beware!

I know I keep bringing this up, but I just keep hearing more and more about it….including people close to our inner circle who are getting addicted to such things as Vicodin and Oxycontin.  Some facts on the Oxy’s reveal that it is a powerful pain reliever derived from opiates. The Vicodins are similar, as the compound “Hydrocodone” that is used in Vicodins are in the opiate family as well.

Now don’t get me wrong, there is truly a need for pain relief and a subscription for the above when the patient is suffering. Unfortunately what happens though, (as with other addictions) is the sufferer develops a “tolerance” to the medication. Subsequently he or she will need more just to get the same effects when they first started taking the medication.

Be real careful if you start with a prescription for any pain killer medication. They can be incredibly devious in the way they get a grip on you, and can easily turn a routine prescription into a habit. My friends brother developed arthitis in the spine, and needed a small daily dose. Eventually he told us he needed more and more just to get through the day (see tolerance), and before he knew it, he was hooked. He told us the “withdrawal” experience he had to get off the stuff was nothing short of agony.

So again, be cautious and continually consult with you doctor when on these types of medications. Ask him or her if they believe that adjustments should be made in the dosage, with the ultimate goal of you stopping the meds upon doctors advice.

Life can truly be a struggle at tmes for ourselves and family and friends. Unfortunately pain and suffering are a part of this “fallen” world, and we have to manuever it in the healthiest way possible. Turn to God with some of you daily struggles. When you see yourself as one of his creations, then a certain spiritual power can assist you in getting through these battles.

Sometimes our friends and family let us down. There’s really nothing we can do but forgive them, as they are human beings just like us, with many similar flaws. But God has no short-comings. When we turn to him in our time of need he will see us through the dark times.  Try praying. Get a bible and read it. Here’s a simple prayer a friend taught me:  “Dear God, these are truly difficult times. But I believe in you to see me through them. I Know you are by my side, and if I put my faith and trust in you, then I will see better days. It will be a battle God, but we will get through it together”

That prayer has bailed me out of so many difficult times. When you see yourself as a creation of God almighty, then you just know you are on the “winning” team. Start praying and see.

Here at Christian Help For Addiction Online we are always praying for our readers and believe that they will truly have better days ahead if he keep their hearts and minds focused on God.

Addiction and Condemnation

There are a  lot of individuals walking around today who are struggling with addictions  and believing they are condemned. There are many who have been alienated by their family and friends, and feel hopelessly alone. Fortunately our God is a forgiving God, and his goal is not to condemn us. He might allow us to struggle for a period of time due to our sin nature (abusing substances), but eventually once we turn back toward God, our troubles tend to heal.’

Our ultimate goal should be to stay close to God in everything we do. He should be our “ultimate” support system, and come ahead of everyone else, including our family and friends. Once we “surrender” our struggles over to God, that’s when the healing begins Understanding that we can’t fight our battles alone, and that we need God’s help is the first step toward recovery.

Have you been reading the bible lately, and starting your day off with a quiet prayer? Give it a try if you’re not, and see if it changes your outlook. The way we feel is connected with the way we think. If we are thinking that we are nothing but a loser and an addict because others have told us so, then we will subsequently be feeling lousy and mentally drained. If we believe that we are a child of God, and with God we can overcome “all things”, then we will be on the road to recovery. 

Here’s some uplifting bible verses:

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us — they help us learn to be patient. And patience develops strength of character in us and helps us trust God more each time we use it until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady. Then, when that happens, we are able to hold our heads high no matter what happens and know that all is well, for we know how dearly God loves us, and we feel this warm love everywhere within us because God has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. Romans 5: 3-5 TLB

I am expecting the Lord to rescue me again, so that once again I will see His goodness to me here in the land of the living. Don’t be impatient. Wait for the Lord, and He will come and save you! Be brave, softhearted, and courageous. Yes, wait and He will help you. Psalms 27: 13-14 TLB

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 TLB

Here at Christian Help For Addiction Online we pray that you turn your battles over to the Lord. He will sustain you through difficult times

It’s Tough Finding God Sometimes, But He’s There

Wow….just learned a friend of a friend has got arrested for driving under the influence…it was prescription drugs of all things….The woman was a nurse, and her license was suspended and now she is concerned about her professional license being taken away as well….when it rains it pours…

After talking with my buddy he revealed that she had gone through a difficult divorce and then developed some “back issues” that needed to be treated….she sunk into a deep depression to make matters worse….he states that the woman was actually “washing down” the pain killers with wine….ouch!

Further information revealed that she was so distraught over her marriage break-up, that she started neglecting the kids, who were now acting out in school…

Our lives can change in a moment at times….from marriage struggles, to finances, to some health issues, you name it, and life comes at you..

People ask me where is God in some of these “messes”, and I tell them right there besides you……this is truly a fallen world, and far from a paradise…when I think how Christ wasn’t even spared from it as they beat him unmercifully and nailed him to a cross….tough way to go out..

But the one thing he promised was that he will never leave us or forsake us, and he usually gives us only what we can cope with……Faith is really tested during tough times…..and sometimes it’s the “eleventh” hour when God shows up…

The main thing you want to do is to keep on praying…don’t take matters into your own hands…but turn “everything” over to God….if you are struggling with a current addiction, then surrender it to God….say, “hey you know what, I can’t do this on my own, I really need some spiritual intervention”

Get a good bible, and start reading it….turn off some of that “junk” on the television…and get reading the best ”help book” in the world…it’s the only book ever written that has withstood the test of time….

Don’t give up…your moment of victory could be so close…now’s not the time to throw in the towel…God is there for you….reach out and pray.

Christian Help For Addiction Online

Depression-Getting Help Fast

Depression is a problematic condition in America today, and many people are not seeking support.  Some of the symptoms of depression are:

difficulty in concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions

fatigue and decreased energy symptoms

feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and/or helplessness

feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism

insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping

irritability, restlessness

loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex

overeating or appetite loss

persistent aches or pains, headache, cramps, or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment

persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” feelings

thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts

Unfortunately many of those struggling with depression make matters worse by “self-medicating”, with drugs or alcohol. This is a great mistake, and will only make matters worse.

We recommend to seek medical/psychological help if you are struggling with any of the above symptoms. God did not intend for you to wallow in your pain, and by seeking out appropriate intervention is in God’s plans for your overall health.

Some inspirational bible verses in regards to depression are:

The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.
Psalm 37:23-24 (KJV)

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
John 16:33 (KJV)

The bible is a wonderful resource of strength and inspiration from God. Try to incorporate it into your daily living, and start the day reading some passages. You will be surprised how that will improve your overall thinking, and begin the day on a good note.

Here at Christian Help For Addiction Online we are continually praying for you and your family. We wish you nothing but the best in life, and pray that your struggles may be few.

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