Savage2Saint Sobriety Dec. 3, 2023

But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. - Isaiah 43:1 (KJV).

Amazing Grace how sweet the sound. It's the most beautiful sound I have ever heard. The sound that can be heard at any place, any time. The sound that has the power to stop you in your tracks and leave you unable to speak. The sound that is louder than any of the noises in your life, but soft enough to comfort you. The sound that has the power to raise the dead, calm storms, give sight to the blind, and yes, redeem an addict's life and set him/her back on track.

The sound I'm talking about is the voice of my Saviour, Jesus Christ. I remember the day when He called me by name and declared that I was His. I was miserable in my addiction. I can't count the number of times I had looked up at the stars and asked God, 'Is this really my life?' 'Is this really all I have to look forward to?' I had been raised in church and had even tried living for God at different times of my adult life, but I always seemed to find myself back on drugs, back to drinking, and back in prison.

What was I missing? Why couldn't I turn the corner and put drugs and alcohol behind me? The answer is that I was missing a personal relationship with the Shephard. Jesus said in John 10:27, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:" - (KJV). I had never taken the time to have a personal relationship with Jesus. I had never gotten to know the sound of my Saviour's voice.

Through daily Bible reading and prayer, I began to hear the Voice of Truth in everything I did. Guiding me. Comforting me. Speaking 'Peace, be still!' over every storm I went through. The 23rd Psalm now describes my life. I know that no matter what I face, my Shephard is there to face it with me. He doesn't promise that your life will be perfect or that you won't go through dark times (Psalm 23:4), but He does promise to never leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5).

If you are a new believer, start spending time with the Shephard. You will hear Him call your name and declare that you are His. If you are an old believer, turn off the TV and set the phone down. If you haven't heard the sound of your Shephard's voice in a while then maybe you just stopped listening. He is there. His sheep hear His voice and follow Him. Pick up your Bible and read it. Say a few more prayers throughout the day. Fellowship with the One who redeemed you.