“But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray” (Luke 5:16).
Withdraw. That was something Jesus did really well. He knew when to withdraw – from the city, the crowds, his disciples, even ministry.
How good are you at that – withdrawing?
Dr. Monica Johnson, clinical psychologist, is an expert on stressors that threaten our sobriety. She writes, “To find peace with these stressors, you need to find an equilibrium between being informed and active, but also taking a time-out so you can rest.”
Today, rather than focusing on a squillion things you can do to stay sober, how about this idea – do nothing! Withdraw. Get away. Do something unrelated to anything that seems to matter. Just unwind, take a break, and relax.
Withdraw.
Recovery Step: Find time today, or at least this week, to withdraw. Then do it!
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.
