When Chaos Hits During Recovery

Recovery from addiction is a journey filled with peaks and valleys, moments of clarity punctuated by unexpected chaos. Life is filled with the unexpected, so when life throws curveballs, how can we maintain our focus on Jesus and His healing and spiritual growth? Let’s take a few moments to explore how to navigate through chaos with our faith as our guide.

The Nature of Chaos in Recovery:

• Unpredictability: Life is inherently unpredictable, and recovery doesn’t shield us from this truth. Job loss, relationship issues, or health problems can disrupt our routine and challenge our sobriety.
• Emotional Turmoil: Loneliness, guilt, or past trauma issues can resurface, creating internal chaos that feels overwhelming.
• External Pressures: Family expectations, Friends who keep their distance now, legal issues, or financial stress can add layers of complexity to your daily walk with the Lord.

Biblical Insights on Handling Chaos:

Faith in the Storm:

• Scripture: “And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.” (Mark 4:39)
• Application: Just as Jesus calmed the storm for His disciples, we can find peace in our storms through faith. Prayer and Scripture meditation on His words will provide the serenity needed during chaotic times. After all, you ARE His child and He loves you.

God’s Presence in Chaos:

• Scripture: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.” (Isaiah 43:2)
• Application: No matter how chaotic life gets, God’s promise to be with us offers immense comfort and strength. Remembering His presence can be a beacon of hope.

Trust in God’s Timing:

• Scripture: “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
• Application: Chaos often feels like a misstep or delay, but understanding that God always has a reason for allowing chaos to reframe our perspective. Trusting in God’s timing helps us endure the present turmoil.

“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” (James 4:8)

Practical Steps During Chaotic Times:

• Maintain a Routine: Even when life feels out of control, maintaining a routine around prayer several times each day, trusted believing fellowship and time with your recovery coach offers stability.
• Seek Support: Connect with your NON-12-step support group. Sharing your struggles has a wonderful ability to lighten your burden. It’s like emptying your garbage in your home.
• Focus on What You Can Control: While you can’t control chaos, you CAN control your reactions, your sobriety, and your faith practices.
• Journaling: Writing down your feelings and insights daily is what I ask all of my clients anva.com
• to do because the outcome is spectacular. This is therapeutic and serves as a testament to God’s faithfulness when you look back.

Chaos is an unavoidable aspect of life and, of course, it occurs during recovery. The thing is that it doesn’t have to derail your journey. By anchoring yourself in unshakable faith, a trustworthy born again community, your ongoing relationship with your recovery coach, and the timeless and forever truthful wisdom of God’s Word, you can navigate through the roughest seas of life with resilience and the certainty of hope. Remember, every chaotic moment is an opportunity to grow closer to God and to understand the Holy Spirit’s strength in you which leads to victory.

Let’s pray:

“Heavenly Father, in times of chaos, let us feel Your calming presence with Your peace that passes all human understanding. Help us to trust in Your plan, to hold fast to our total healing, and to see each challenge as a chance to draw closer to You. In the name of Jesus, Amen.”

Have a blessed rest of your day knowing that every moment of our lives can draw us closer and closer to God IF we choose to follow Jesus. Hope to see you in my next post. Bye for now!