I’m nostalgic. When possible, I still enjoy driving by my childhood home, my first church, and the high school where I spent the best six years of my life.
Do you often think about “the good ‘ol days”? If so, you’re in good company. King David often looked back. He said, “I thought about my former days, the years of long ago” (Psalm 77:5).
I offer three suggestions on thinking about your “former days.”
- Looking back can be healthy.
- You should only look back in short takes.
- Your main focus should be looking ahead.
In recovery, it is sometimes good to revisit our “former days.” But only if you use what happened in the past to make you better in the future.
Recovery Step: What can you learn from the “former days?” Learn from your past, but don’t live there.
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.
