Psalm 126 is one of my favorite passages in the Bible. It
resonates with what I’ve experienced in my life. When I was a teenager and had
no control over the sadness in my home life, I hated myself and my
circumstances. This self-hatred took me away from my family and friends because
I supplanted them with a love of alcohol. I put myself into danger and exiled my
emotions, using beer, whisky, and wine to escape from my frustrations and fears.
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Bible Verse of the Day
Psalm 126:2 Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of
joy.Then it was said among the nations,” The LORD has done great things for
them."
And then I found the Lord and rediscovered my joy of Jesus that I had in my
heart when I was in elementary school. I still struggled with alcohol for a
while, but eventually I was able to let it go because I became addicted to God,
Jesus and the Gospel. It was like coming out of a self-imposed nightmare and
going into a God given dream.
Throughout my life I’ve seen people struggle with the same demons of drink and
emotional attacks. I’ve tried to help them overcome their addiction and show
them the joy of the Lord. I’d love to say that I’ve been successful every time,
but sadly some people are more self-destructive than others and eventually they
ruin their relationships, empty their emotions, and destroy their bodies. When
that occurs, I feel heart broken because I know that things could have been so
much different if they truly let Christ into their lives.
If you’re struggling with an addiction or an obsession, or you know someone
close beside you who is, get help. Don’t leave it until it’s too late or ignore
it, hoping that it will all go away. There are lots of good counselors and godly
pastors, specialists and experts who could empower and enable you to overcome.
With their help and Christ in your heart, you can turn those horrible nightmares
into hopeful dreams. Seize the day and let that transforming moment begin in
your life now.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, You know everything about us, so we can never hide or
conceal anything from You. You are completely aware of our weakness and
addictions, secrets and obsessions. Help us to find help and seek assistance in
overcoming those demons of deception that want to destroy our hearts and
happiness, our spirits and souls. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.
John Stuart traqair@aol.com
Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
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