Matthew 28:8 “The women hurried away from the tomb, afraid, yet filled with joy.”
Often, life’s greatest journeys take us through both emotions – simultaneously. We experience fear and joy at the same time. At no point is that truer than with recovery. The feelings of joy and fear are not mutually exclusive. Many who climb the mountain of recovery experience both emotions at the same time.
If you are married to a recovering addict, you know this better than anyone else. Is there a legitimate fear that your spouse may relapse? Absolutely. But at the same time, is there an inner joy that does not depend on anyone else’s actions? You bet.
Don’t deny your fear. Dr. R.J. Blanchard said it well: “Fear is a central state of an organism.” At the same time, joy is the fruit of the Spirit.
Recovery Step: In recovery, all emotions are welcome. Embrace them all – starting with fear and joy.
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.
