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Rescue Me! - About Addiction and ShameSample

Rescue Me! - About Addiction and Shame

DAY 1 OF 7

Do you need to be rescued?

Addictions usually take you further than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay and cost you more than you want to spend. I’ve seen so many lives devastated by gambling, alcohol, prescription drugs, cocaine and crack addictions. I’ve seen the homeless addicts with no teeth and the prostitute with matted hair lying in the street. My wife has saved the lives of addicts by doing interventions and arranging for them to go to a rehab clinic. 

There is a term we use to describe the effects of addiction on an addict and his family: “they’ve hit rock bottom.” Rock bottom is different for everyone battling bondages. Some will lose a home or a job. Others will lose their lives. Rock bottom is the worst. It is sheer misery and humiliation.

When someone hits rock bottom, there is a powerful prayer that can turn the tide: “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.” (Psalms 51:1, NIV) 

King David knew about rock bottom. He slept with another man’s wife, then had her husband sent to the front line of the battle where he would surely be killed. King David’s lust and sex drive caused him to break almost every rule of God. He lost his first baby conceived with Bathsheba, his health, his peace and his son Absolom, who turned against him. Rock bottom was very bad for David and his kingdom. Sin usually has many casualties.

Do you need God to rescue you?

David cried out for mercy and received it. He then proclaimed, “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.” (Psalms 139:7-10, NIV) 

God loves you just as much as He loved David. If you cry out for mercy, He will hear you and respond with mercy. The nation of Israel would often cry out, “Hosanna,” which means, “Lord, save us.” You can also cry, “Hosanna.” The merciful God will save and deliver you.

Because you’re a miracle. 

Paul Marc Goulet 

P.S. The texts of this reading come from the daily email A Miracle Every Day. If you want to receive an email every day, I invite you to subscribe to A Miracle Every Day. By subscribing, you will receive  an E-book!

Day 2