Many regular folks view recovery as something for those who have addictions like drugs, alcohol, gambling, gaming, pornography, etc. But do you realize that every human soul has a need for recovery from sin?

September is marked as Recovery Month. Those who are a part of a recovery group or involved in working among those recovering from some hurt, hang-up or habit, know how important it is to get to and through the doorway called recovery.  Step one is to stop denying and acknowledge the problem.

All have sinned (Romans 3:23)

Because we are born under the curse of sin, we suffer from its consequences. We have a bent toward that which is wrong, from the day we are born until we die. So, what does life look like for those who understand the journey into recovering from this human condition?

1. A healthy emotional life is marked by intimacy.

Do your relationships carry an openness of heart? The ability to relate at a level deeper that the topical, “How do you do?” Intimacy is marked by openness of heart, not necessarily agreement always, but the ability to express your feelings without shame or embarrassment of reprisal from the other. When two individuals, or more, are able to interact and exchange their views at this level, intimacy will grow.

2. Removal of denial.

We all have instances of denial that must be dealt with in various stages of life. A humility of heart allows us to be open to seeing things for what they are. God reveals to us changes that He would like to help us with when we humble ourselves. When denial falls off, opportunity knocks on our door. Until a person truly sees their need for God’s grace to come in and change something that is disordered in their life, they will be blinded to their need. Here again a heart of humility and acknowledgement of sin is crucial.

3. God’s has better things ahead for you.

God is the author of HOPE!  May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. (Romans 15:13). Believing that God has a greater plan for you, no matter where you’ve been is what His grace is all about. Doing our part, the work of recovering from whatever besetting sin has captured our heart, will place us on the road to the opportunities God has for us. With victory comes the warning: Peter tells us to be sober and vigilant because our adversary is out to destroy us (IPeter 5:8).

In recovery, sobriety is a fearful place, never quite sure you’ll keep it going… white knuckling through life is no way to live. Always a lurking fear that you’ll fall back into your habit. Discovering and walking in God’s grace is a secure place to live, knowing that He carries you. There is a big difference.

Real joy comes to our lives daily as we walk in God’s Grace. Seeking Him daily in His Word and having a tender heart to hear His voice, rejoicing in the fact that He loves us brings us peace. This is the ongoing nature of a recovered heart. It doesn’t stop and say, “There, I’ve done it.” It continues onward, ever growing and glorifying God by what He desires to do through our lives.

So how about you? Are you in recovery from the Fall (Genesis 3)? Have you reached out to the Hand of help through Jesus Christ the Savior of all mankind? If not, do it today! Decide today to move into a place of actively pursuing all God has planned for your life.