Listen Up

TRUTH

One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.

Psalms‬ ‭27‬:‭4

REFLECTION

I’m not great at asking the right questions.

Usually, I’m distracted by wanting the wrong things, so intelligent pursuits turn into fitful, self-driven surges.

It blends in well and doesn’t raise eyebrows simply because it’s become commonplace to go our own ways so much of the time.

Who’s going to criticize you for pulling yourself up by your bootstraps? That’s a badge of honor.

What’s happened for me is that I dwell within myself a whole lot. My thoughts carry me deeper into myself. I begin isolating in plain sight.

I begin slipping toward a subtle insanity that isn’t marked by the stains of addiction but is just as dangerous.

Most of my journey today seems to nestle up in old cliches quite nicely. I need God. I self-sabotage without a guiding force in my life. And I don’t need substances to suffer from the roots of addiction.

Where does my help come from, then? How can God fix the never-ending search for significance and self-worth?

I’m banking on Him doing the bulk of the work if I can suit up and show up. It’s been difficult to just dwell in His presence. To just be quiet during quiet time. To talk, as though to a friend. To pursue Him in all things through all of my day.

I think it’s a skill though. I think we improve with repetition. I think He waits for us to find Him. Daily.

We’re on the right path.

God, I want to hear from you.

SPONSOR

Reflection and gratitude are invaluable in recovery. Gratitude Plus is a social gratitude journal with an anonymous global feed. Try Gratitude Plus now.

NEXT

When you’re ready, here are some tools for you:

1. Book List (amazon link)
   Some of my favorite reads related to recovery and/or wrestling with faith.

2. 4th Step Guide (free download)
   A PDF with instructions and worksheets for a thorough 4th step. Straight from the Big Book. Fearlessness not included.

3. 12-Step Christianity (YouTube)
   My thoughts on the parallels between discipleship and sponsorship.

KEEP LEANING FORWARD

Cheers, Eamonn
Contact on LinkedIn, YouTube & Twitter.