“You, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you” (Psalm 9:10).
Let that sink in.
In recovery, we must endure a lot of trials, temptations, and tests. We must deal with our past, pain, and persecution. We must move beyond our hurts, habits, and hang-ups.
But there is one thing you never have to worry about. God will never forsake you. He will not leave you. He will not abandon you. Ever.
Every addict I know has felt abandonment at some time – from parents, spouse, friends, the church, etc. And many have felt abandoned by God himself. But that is the key word – felt.
When I was a child, our family went camping in the woods. Despite my Dad’s clear instructions, I went off on my own to explore. It wasn’t long before I got lost. I was scared and felt all alone. Panic set in. Then all of a sudden, out of nowhere, I heard my Father’s calming voice. Dad had followed me from a distance, to make sure I was safe. I didn’t see him, but he saw me. Fear set in because I didn’t feel his presence. But his presence was there, just as strongly as if I had seen him all along.
Your Father will never forsake you. In that you can find hope.
Recovery Step: Trust in the presence you may not feel and don’t always see.
