We All Have 24 Hours a Day
According to the Gallup polls the average American sleeps 6.8 hours/night[1] giving them approximately 17.2 hours of time during the time to budget, manage and invest in for whatever version of “the good life” they are pursuing. Folks who are seriously pursuing recovery from addictions must consider the role of time management as a central strategy to experience victory from the vicious cycle of chemical addiction.
Liturgy, Rhythms and Why They Matter in Addiction Recovery
I’ve once heard it said that “every life, every gathering, every church, and every schedule has a liturgy, the question becomes; ‘Is it a good one?” Liturgies are rhythms of life that tell a story. A common liturgy of the American life today is college football on Saturday and NFL on Sunday.
While popular, well-promoted and fun the larger question we should ask is; “is this a good liturgy?” If you’re pursuing recovery from a drug, alcohol, sexual or gambling addiction the question should not be “is this permissible” rather one might be wiser to ask; “is this beneficial?” the very questions the Apostle Paul asked himself as he pondered his own freedom in the book 1st Corinthians (1st Corinthians 6). What do your rhythms say about your commitment to your sobriety and/or recovery?
A Better Way to Create New Rhythms
Imagine you’re addicted to donuts for a second (for me I don’t have to imagine, I love a good maple bar) and you were trying to quit eating donuts.
Would you drive past the bakery every day, stop in the bakery to get your morning coffee and sit and read the newspaper at the bakery because you like the smell of dough cooking or would you drive OUT OF YOUR WAY to AVOID the bakery, orient your life to STAY AWAY from the bakery and do whatever it took to avoid the possibility of tempting yourself to enjoy a donut?
Your rhythms, liturgies and practices (that you engage in 1000 times every day) are an important way to purposefully, habitually and intentionally practice and experience grace throughout the day.
When you choose to invest in yourself (instead of watch TV), choose to read a book (instead of mindlessly wander on social media), choose to workout and sweat (instead of eat more sugar) you are creating healthy liturgies and rhythms that will empower you in your quest for victory over the most deadly foe you’ll ever face, the foe of your own addiction.
Community Discussion – Share your thoughts here!
Have you shared your addiction and recovery journey with your pastor? How was it received and how was it helpful to your recovery?
About the Author:
Ryan Moffat is the teaching pastor at Vast Church in Sisters, OR and is currently working on his Masters in Theology at Western Seminary in Portland, OR
Ryan received his BS in Bible and Theology and a minor in counseling from Multnomah University. He has pastored students, families and is passionate about Christ-centered recovery and healing. He’s been married to his beautiful wife Michelle for 13 years and they enjoy raising four crazy, unique and special kids together.
References:
[1]: http://www.gallup.com/poll/166553/less-recommended-amount-sleep.aspx
The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of addictions. These are not necessarily the views of Addiction Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.
We at Addiction Hope understand that addictions result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an addiction, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.
Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on October 18, 2016
Published on AddictionHope.com