The Holidays are a time of family, food, and fun but without carefully taking inventory, things can quickly “get stuffed inside”. Without processing them in a healthy, self-reflective manner you can be close to a serious relapse without even thinking about it.
What we say in our family is that if you’re going to have success in fighting the sins that so easily entangles you, you must become an individual that knows how to live upstream. What does the Bible say about “Living Upstream”?
“Above all else guard your heart for it is the wellspring of life”
-Proverbs 4:23
“Every way of man is right in his own eyes but the Lord weighs the heart”
-Proverbs 21:2
“Create in me a clean heart O God. And renew a steadfast spirit within me”
-Psalm 51:10
“Out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks”
-Jesus (Matthew 12:34)
The Bible clearly teaches that the Heart is the “epicenter” of our lives. We live out of our hearts, speak out of our hearts, relate to others (God and people) out of our hearts, and behave out of our hearts. This means that addiction is first and foremost a BEHAVIOR; rather Scripture says it’s first and foremost a disposition of our heart.
Addiction Risks Associated With the Holiday Season
Difficult family situations, excessive eating, living off our normal schedules and routines sets us up for “heart fatigue”. Instead of living from a place of personal health, growth and a dynamic personal life we become sluggish and without taking inventory of the heart we become very susceptible to relapse.
Unless you discipline your mind and your life to have constant “heart checks” you will be out of touch with what is really happening in your heart and thus weakened in your conviction to do what you most want (stay sober).
STRENGTHEN Your Heart
Let me suggest three things:
#1- Feed your mind and heart truth from God’s word. It’s impossible to keep your heart and mind strengthened without the discipline and the joy of God’s word. Open your Bible and see the glories of truth from Scripture.
#2- Take some time every day and ask (and answer) the question; “How is my heart, do I feel strong and ready for the challenges and disappointments in front of me?”
#3- Commit to being a part of life-giving communities (groups, bible studies, church groups, recovery groups, etc.) because these communities are the key to your health! You aren’t sufficient to achieve these things on your own. You need loving, community around you to help.
Community Discussion – Share Your Thoughts Here!
What are some ways in which you have kept a solid structure for your addiction recovery during the holiday season?
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.
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 December 5, 2016
Published on AddictionHope.com