You’re Fully Detoxed! You’re Sober! Now What?

I can remember clearly, when I first came home from detox in 2008. There I was, clean and sober, with a renewed and beautiful relationship with Jesus. I sat in my living room next to my husband, Bill. There was some uncomfortable silence. I decided to humble myself and ask Bill a very life changing question. The question was, “what do I do now?” It sounds like a really ignorant question, doesn’t it? I felt stupid asking it, but I did. My old habits ended. Most everything in my past had to change immediately. I didn’t know what I’d be facing. I had just gotten through a very traumatic experience from a massive opioid overdose, and I was scared until Bill answered my question. He said something very simple, yet extremely powerful; he said, “spend time with Jesus”.

I realized I would have to walk this walk back to health in baby steps, holding on to Jesus’ Hands the entire time. I’d have to pray fervently and do everything He says to do in Scripture. No longer did I have my drugs to depend on. I had something far far better… I had the most powerful healer who would transform me. His name is Jesus and He’s GOD!!! We worked together and I’m here, 17 years later, without once craving any drugs. I’m healed! Praise be to God!

A Christian sober life begins with Jesus and relying on Him. It means to set yourself apart and spend time with the Lord.. That involves praying, fasting, listening for God’s voice, doing His will, seeking fellowship, developing accountability, leaving old friends behind and making new ones in Christ, and having unwavering faith. It means being unwilling to allow anyone to plant seeds of doubt. When the world tells you that you have a disease, you firmly tell them you don’t. You tell them that addiction is the result of poor coping skills for a past life you never asked for. Blanket yourself in God’s Holy Spirit and allow Him to have the Power within you that you don’t have. Yield to Him.

So, below, I’ve listed a few highlights of what you will need to do. Having a good Christian recovery coach is a super plus. Accountability and direction matters. You now have a chance for a new life.

1. Building a relationship with Jesus through regular prayer and Bible study. Scripture encourages us to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) and to meditate on God’s word day and night (Psalm 1:2). This will provide spiritual strength and guidance during recovery.
2. Fellowship with other believers. The early church devoted themselves to fellowship (Acts 2:42), and Hebrews 10:25 encourages us not to neglect meeting together. This could mean joining a church, join or form a Bible study group, and get a good Christian recovery coach.
3. Begin to serve others. Jesus taught that serving others is a core part of Christian life (Matthew 25:35-40). This might involve:

• Helping at your church
• Mentoring others in recovery
• Volunteering in your community
• Supporting family relationships that may need healing

4. It’s time to develop healthy habits that honor God’s temple (your body):

• Regular exercise (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
• Proper rest (Matthew 11:28-30)
• Wholesome hobbies that develop your God-given talents
• Changing your diet to include foods that heal

5. Work diligently at your job or studies, as Scripture teaches us to work as unto the Lord (Colossians 3:23).

Remember that God promises in Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you… plans to give you hope and a future.” This new chapter in your life is an opportunity to discover those plans.

“For I know the plans I have for you… plans to give you hope and a future.”

Have a blessed, thought provoking rest of your day as you discover more about God’s love for you and His future for you. See you next post!