Savage2Saint Sobriety Oct. 6, 2023

"He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings." - Psalm 40:2 (KJV).

I was given the opportunity to share my testimony at Recovery Rally this past weekend in Doniphan, MO. In the weeks leading up to the event, I spent a lot of time thinking about where I was 18 months ago compared to where I am today. I was humbled when I began making a list of all the amazing blessings the Lord has showered me with over that time. There are so many meaningful verses I could have used for my testimony. Verses I have drawn strength from, leaned on, and used to guide my path. For this event, I used John 10:10, "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." - (KJV).

One of the young ladies who also shared her testimony referenced Psalm 40:2, "He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings." - (KJV). This verse has stuck with me throughout the week. I've heard it many times, but with my mind already in reflection mode for my own testimony, I have spent the better part of the week thinking about this verse and a couple of other Psalms that seem to fit perfectly for a redeemed addict like myself.

When I was in my addiction, life felt like a hole I couldn't climb out of. I was stuck and couldn't go anywhere but further down. The more I fought to get free, the deeper I sank in the pit and miry clay. It wasn't until I stopped fighting on my own and accepted the Helpers hand that I was able to get free of the drugs and drinking. Jesus really did pull me out of the mess that was my life and set me on solid ground. Since that day, He has guided me through every turn this world has thrown at me on my road to recovery.

Now, the joy I have and the advice I give to still suffering addicts is Psalm 34:8, "O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him." - (KJV). Blessed or happy is the man, or woman, that trusts in the Lord. I was miserable in my addiction. I honestly don't know anyone in active addiction who is happy with their life and being a slave to drugs or alcohol. Want to know why I tell people about and push Jesus on them? Because I have tasted and seen that the Lord is good! I want every addict to experience what I have experienced. To fully trust God and watch the miracle turn around He will do in your life.

Lastly, I rely on the promise in Psalm 121:7-8, "The Lord keeps you from all harm and watches over your life. The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever." - (NLT). Not only will He pull you out of the hole you're in and turn your sorrow into joy, but He will also protect you and watch over your life. Wow! He heals your past, gives you a happy here and now, and preserves your future! That's exactly what the Lord has done in my life. He did it for me, He will do it for you, as well.

All you have to do is take His hand.