Hope Is Aliveনমুনা

"Keep The Peace"

Disappointments will always be a part of life, but the way we deal with disappointment during the early stages of recovery can be dangerous. Arguments, unmet expectations, and deceit can stir up a swell of old emotions. If you’re not careful, these things can send you back out in a hurry. So what do you do when the same old people who twisted you up inside when you were using and abusing start to affect you again? How do you handle the anxiety-ridden situations that drove you to drink in the first place?  Any time I had to face disappointment, my emotions drove me to a reclusive state where I would eat and snort as many pills as I could possibly handle, all while furthering myself from any feelings with each high. By the time the run would be over, there was no anger, no guilt, no shame, no pain, and certainly no conviction remaining. 

I was empty, hollow, and soon would be in need of yet another high to keep the feelings as far away as possible. We all deal with disappointments and grief in our own ways, yet when we get together and talk about them, they are eerily similar and equally depressing. None of us want to go back to those lost and lonely times—we all want to live the happy, joyous, and free life we’ve heard so much about. But sometimes life just isn’t fair and for addicts, disappointments during the first couple years of sobriety can be excruciating and present a steep uphill battle. So how do we stay in the positive and avoid the spiral so many others haven’t been able to avoid?  

Bill Hybels, Pastor of Willow Creek Community Church outside of Chicago, said this about the need for reconciliation: “The mark of community is not the absence of conflict but the presence of a reconciliatory spirit.” As we seek after this spirit in our lives, God begins to bring about peace in what used to be chaotic and volatile relationships. By taking action towards reconciliation, we become the change agent God uses to restore not only our personal relationships, but also people’s relationships with Him. Here are a few ways we can pursue this reconciliatory sprit:

Pray.​ “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” MAT.5.43-44.

Be Gracious.​ “But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.” LUK.6.35

Believe the truth.​ Jesus said, “He who does not follow me, cannot be my disciple.” God sent His Son, the Prince of Peace, to make peace in this world. He sends His sons and daughters, you and me to make peace.