This post is an excerpt from the study guide which accompanies the “Overcoming Addiction” seminar. This portion is an excerpt from “Step Six: RESTRUCTURE MY LIFE to rely on God’s grace and Word to transform my life.” To RSVP for this and other Summit counseling seminars visit bradhambrick.com/events.
We do not engage spiritual disciplines primarily for therapeutic reasons; we engage them to know and enjoy God. However, when engaged well, these disciplines have significant therapeutic benefit. There are even particular benefits that can be generally ascribed to particular disciplines. We will explore a few of these.
“We believe that a clearly articulated Christian worldview and a congruent and credible Christian lifestyle constitute a form of primary prevention (p. 136).” Mark Yarhouse, Richard Butman, and Barrett McRay in Modern Psychopathologies: A Comprehensive Christian Appraisal
1. Bible Study:
How much of the struggle with addiction is the “bad content” in our thinking (commonly referred to as “stinkin’ thinkin’” in recovery circles)? These thinking processes and thought content need to be replaced. We hear “go to your happy place” and roll our eyes. If only addiction were that light-weight. Go to the Bible for the Words of Life (John 6:68). At least once per day immerse your mind in pure, wholesome truth.
For instruction on how to institute this, consider the following chapters from books that provide guidance for the spiritual discipline of Bible study.
- Richard Foster, Celebration of Discipline, chapter five
- Donald Whitney, Spiritual Discipline for the Christian Life, chapters two and three
- John Ortberg, The Life You’ve Always Wanted, chapter ten
2. Prayer and Worship:
How much of the struggle with addiction results from our thinking caving in on itself (i.e., shame, self-condemnation, circular reasoning, etc…)? Our thinking needs an outlet and purpose in order to be healthy. Prayer and worship provide direction for our thoughts. Prayer allows our inward thoughts to “connect” with someone who cares and understands. Worship provides a focal point for our thoughts that is grander than our situation is bad.
For instruction on how to institute this, consider the following chapters from books that provide guidance the spiritual discipline of prayer and worship.
- Richard Foster, Celebration of Discipline, chapters three and eleven
- Donald Whitney, Spiritual Discipline for the Christian Life, chapters four and five
- John Ortberg, The Life You’ve Always Wanted, chapter four
3. Silence, Stillness, and Meditation:
How much of the struggle with addiction is our inability to reign in our thoughts? Silence, stillness, and meditation are disciplines that tame (harness, not harm) the wild horse that is our thought life. They are practices advocated by Christians for centuries because of their benefits for the life and character of believers.
For instruction on how to institute this, consider the following chapters from books that provide guidance for the spiritual discipline of silence and meditation.
- Richard Foster, Celebration of Discipline, chapters two and seven
- Donald Whitney, Spiritual Discipline for the Christian Life, chapter ten
- John Ortberg, The Life You’ve Always Wanted, chapter five
4. Journaling:
How much of the struggle with addiction is the seeming pointless disconnection of day-to-day life? Life can easily begin to feel like a bad novel where one page has little to do with the page before it. Events keep happening but they don’t seem to be contributing to anything. This is what led Socrates to say, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” Addiction responds, “Amen!”
For instruction on how to institute this, consider the following chapters from books that provide guidance for the spiritual discipline of journaling.
- Donald Whitney, Spiritual Discipline for the Christian Life, chapter eleven
- Using a Personal Journal for Spiritual Growth at www.bradhambrick.com/journal
If this post was beneficial for you, then considering reading other blogs from my “Favorite Posts on Addiction” post which address other facets of this subject.
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