Theophan the Recluse, a 19th-century Russian Orthodox, penned the following words:
“Into every duty a God-fearing heart must be put, a heart constantly permeated by the thought of God; and this will be the door through which the soul will enter into active life. The essence is to be established in the remembrance of God, and to walk in his presence.”
A 21st-century recovery leader (me) says it like this: “Learn to fear God.”
Here are just five benefits of fearing the Lord, from the Book of Proverbs:
- Length of life (Proverbs 10:27)
- Wisdom (Proverbs 1:7)
- Overcome evil (Proverbs 3:7)
- Life (Proverbs 14:27)
- Honor (Proverbs 22:4)
Learn all the recovery tools that you can. But never forget the spiritual dimension of recovery. A healthy fear of God will take you places you could otherwise never go.
Recovery Step: Walk and live in the daily fear of the Lord.
Author: Mark Denison
Mark and Beth Denison, married for 36 years, launched There’s Still Hope as a national movement to call men and women into lives of sexual integrity. Their ministry offers 90-day recovery plans for addicts and one-on-one and group coaching for addicts and their spouses. TSH also produces resources for pastors and churches to confront the porn epidemic that is destroying so many lives.
Dr. Denison was a senior pastor for over 30 years, NBA chaplain, and board chairman at Houston Baptist University three times. With a Master’s Degree in Addiction Recovery, Mark is a certified PSAP and active member of the American Association of Christian Counselors.
Mark has written four books on recovery: Porn in the Pew, 365 Days to Sexual Integrity, A 90-Day Recovery Guide, and 40 Days to Porn-Free Living. His latest book, Jesus on the 12 Steps, will be released later this year.
