Freedom From Addiction Sample

When I was caught in the death grip of addiction, I had no peace in my life. Addiction gave me the illusion that I had some peace, but I’d only feel good for a short period and that would be followed by feelings of shame, guilt, and anxiety when the drugs and alcohol wore off. I couldn’t have an addiction and true peace in my life. It was one or the other.

Things began to shift when I started to seek God’s peace in my daily life. It was then that I was able to understand that the reason we can stay in perfect peace when our mind is fixed on the Prince of Peace. That peace is the presence of a person, and that person is Jesus Christ.

A living, breathing relationship with Jesus is our source of peace.

It was when I began walking and talking with Him daily that His culture of peace became my reality. The more I’ve learned to host His presence, the more I see that I don’t need to try to control things in my life. I can rest in His peace and know that He is working out plans to prosper me and not to harm me, plans to give me hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11)

Life in Christ grants us peace that surpasses our ability to understand it. (Philippians 4:7) I don’t have to understand it all, I just need to follow and stay in union with The One who does understand it all.

Prayer Tip

Ask God to teach you how to abide in His peace, regardless of your circumstances. We can’t control everything that comes at us in life, but we can control how we respond. Living in His peace empowers us to respond to life more healthily. Take some time to sit down, slow down, and ask God to increase His peace upon you. Ask Him to empower you and make you conscious of His peaceful presence in your daily activities.

Action Step

Take a step outside of your comfort zone by trying to increase peace in someone else’s life today. Maybe, ask if you can pray for that person. Do them a favor without them having asked you to do so. Randomly thank a person and encourage that person.

Whatever way you spread God’s peace and love today, observe how His peace increases in your life as you spread his love.