Ever have one of those moments where clarity doesn’t arrive with fireworks, but with a quiet, unmistakable shift inside your chest—a soft Aha, a gentle epiphany that feels less like a thought and more like a whisper settling into your spirit? That happened to me as I was preparing for today’s devotional message. I was sitting with A. W. Tozer’s The Set of the Sail, revisiting the opening chapter, when something in those pages caught me off guard. And then it hit me—clean, sharp, and humbling. How have I missed what the Third Step may truly be inviting us into?
For anyone unfamiliar, the Third Step in recovery says that we “made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.” On the surface, it sounds simple enough—surrender your will, your autonomy, your desires. Let God take the helm. But beneath that simplicity lies the raw truth that brought many of us to recovery in the first place: we finally saw how far we had drifted, how powerless we had become, how our lives had unraveled into chaos, disorder, and ruin. And in that unraveling, we recognized our need for a power greater than ourselves to intervene.
But here’s the part we rarely talk about. That moment of surrender doesn’t usually feel holy. It doesn’t feel triumphant. It feels like waking up from a long, heavy fog—numb, disoriented, spiritually exhausted. Faith feels distant. Purpose feels fractured. And somewhere in the stillness of that inner ache, a question rises: Am I drifting? And the honest answer is yes. We have drifted. And that truth cuts through the noise of our anxious, chaotic thoughts with a clarity we can’t ignore. Because in that moment, we’re no longer moved by emotion—we’re moved by a deliberate, trembling desire to choose something different.
Tozer writes that the direction of a life is not determined by the strength of the wind, but by the set of the will. He echoes Ella Wheeler Wilcox’s line: “It is the set of the sails and not the gales which tells us the way to go.” That line stopped me. Because if we’re honest—with ourselves and with our Heavenly Father—when we’re standing in the middle of doubt, fear, anxiety, or spiritual fatigue, this truth matters more than we realize.
It matters because the confrontation of the Third Step is not merely about surrender. It is about resetting the sails of our recovery, our faith, and our lives. It is about choosing—sometimes with trembling hands—to turn the bow of our soul back toward the One who has been waiting to guide us all along.
Anchor Verse: “Now if you are unwilling to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served in the region beyond the River or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living, but as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” – Joshua 24:15, NRSVUE
I know—at first glance, this verse can feel like a cliché. It’s the kind of Scripture that ends up on wall art, coffee mugs, and Christian décor aisles. And for those who know the context, it might even raise a question: Why use Joshua 24:15 here? Why bring in a verse where Joshua is telling Israel to choose between the Lord and the gods of their ancestors or the gods of the Amorites?
But that’s exactly why I love this verse. Because Joshua isn’t simply telling Israel to “choose God.” He’s confronting them with a deeper truth: if you do not choose to serve the Lord, you will still serve something. You will serve the gods of your past, or the gods of the culture around you—but you will serve something.
And suddenly, the connection to the Third Step becomes painfully clear.
How often have we walked into our Sunday meetings looking for a sanctuary from the world that seems to be troubled, in a state of confusion, and quite volatile and toxic? And yet, we step into a place where one may frequently find something much more challenging: a room full of people who have a wide range of differences. It may be quite tempting to see these differences as hinderances or even obstacles to our own spiritual growth. However, what if such annoyances of our specific wards are actually the very tools God uses to encourage, edify, and strengthen us? And sometimes, these people seemed to rub us the wrong way – you know – sandpaper people.1
Wait…what? Sandpaper people? Yep, exactly – sandpaper people are those who may rub us the wrong way. You know, the ones that seemingly get under our skin sometimes? The ones we may want to avoid, even at church. And yet, you may be wondering – what is a sandpaper person? And furthermore, what purpose do they serve?
Sandpaper is designed to smooth out and refine surfaces. A sheet, or strip, of paper that is quite abrasive, depending on the grade, where it smooths out rough spots, removes rust or old paint. It is also used to prepare surfaces for painting, staining, and polishing. In essence, sandpaper’s sole intention and purpose is to refine and smooth out the rough edges. And that is exactly what sandpaper do – they smooth out the rough edges and refine us in ways that help shape and transform us into whom our Heavenly Father has called us to become.
Isaiah 48:10 says, “See, I have refined you but not like silver; I have tested you in the furnace of adversity.” And you may be wondering, what does Isaiah 48:10 and sandpaper people have to do with attending Church?
Here is the simple truth: God does not refine us in isolation, nor does He shape us only through peaceful, agreeable circumstances. Instead, our Heavenly Father refines us in the furnace of adversity – and sometimes, that furnace of adversity looks surprisingly ordinary. You know, the person singing loudly behind you during Sacrament meeting. The kids with an apparent case of ants in their pants and parents doing their best to help them practice reverence. Or the person who shows up in jeans and a shirt with no tie. People that somehow do not fit our mold or expectations. Let’s face it – our wards consist of people full of personalities, preferences, quirks, and rough edges that collide with our own.
And this is an uncomfortable and beautiful reality.
Sandpaper people are part of God’s refining fire where we are to come together in unity of faith, common consent, and edifying and strengthening one another in the faith. Not because they are problematic. Not because they may appear less spiritual. And certainly, not because they are annoying obstacles to our worship. Because Our Heavenly Father, in his infinite wisdom, places us in communities where our rough edges meet theirs – and in that friction, something holy happens. Something we may not ever choose, yet something we desperately need.
Elder Patrick Kearon opened up the Saturday Morning Session of General Conference with a message titled About His Business” regarding how our service is a choice, an offering to God and a blessing. He appears to reframe the local ward, not as a social club for the like-minded individuals. Instead, he provided insight on how this may be a divine place of fellowship. A place where the friction of serving people who are “very different to us” creates the heat necessary to forge Christlike virtues – charity, meekness, and forgiveness – that simply may not be developed in isolation. If you’ve ever struggled to find your place in a diverse congregation, you are not failing the test; you are finally in the right place.
I want to take a moment and walk with you as we bridge the gap between modern apostolic counsel and ancient scripture. To understand how The Body of Christ requires every different member to function – and the reason our growth depends on the person sitting three pews away.
And there are also secret combinations, even as in times of old, according to the combinations of the devil, for he is the founder of all these things; yea, … and he leadeth them by the neck with a flaxen cord, until he bindeth them with his strong cords forever. ~ 2 Nephi 26:22 ~
There’s a reason the scriptures don’t say the adversary drags us with chains from the beginning. They say he starts with a flaxen cord—soft, subtle, almost unnoticeable.
Flaxen cords feel harmless. They feel like “I’m fine.” They feel like “It’s not that bad.” They feel like “Everyone else is the problem.” They can be associated with small compromises and everyday distractions that initially seem trivial, but over time can lead us down a path we never intended to walk.
We might find ourselves rationalizing decisions that, in retrospect, clearly lead away from our values or beliefs. Gradually, we become accustomed to the tightened grip of that cord, oblivious to our increasing vulnerability. Over time, each little distraction or compromise we accept acts as another loop in that cord, binding us tighter and tighter until we feel as though escape is impossible.
And then one day, you wake up and realize you’re not holding the cord. The cord is holding you. The realization can be jolting; it is a moment of clarity where we recognize how far we’ve strayed from our intended path. This moment often comes with feelings of regret, confusion, or despair, as we confront the reality of our situation.
This is exactly how 2 Nephi 26:22 operates in real life. Not with sudden destruction—but with slow spiritual erosion until the truth becomes unavoidable. It’s a gradual process, where the adversary uses our own indifference against us, allowing darker patterns to take root before we even realize the danger. Awareness becomes the first step toward liberation. By recognizing the effects of the flaxen cord, we can take action—whether seeking support, reevaluating our choices, or returning to foundational truths that can help strengthen us against the subtlety of temptation. Thus, the journey back to freedom is not only possible but essential for spiritual renewal and growth.
Hello and welcome fellow travelers. Today, we are going to focus on what it means to take that single step. How it breaks the flaxen cords that brought us into captivity, and how we take necessary action when we step out in faith and into God’s grace – a grace that empowers us to seek His will, His purpose, and brings us into a right relationship with who he is, his love, tender mercies, and joy.
Join me for a thoughtful livestream discussion at 2-pm PST of Ecclesiastes 3: A Time for Everything, a devotional message crafted to bring hope in despair and encouragement in hardship. In this episode, I want to get into the timeless wisdom of Ecclesiastes 3, reflecting on divine timing, the cycle of life, and how to trust God’s plan amidst personal and societal challenges. We address recent tragedies, including the heartbreaking death of Iryna Zarutska, the shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University, and the ongoing cultural divisiveness tearing at our communities. How do we find peace in chaos? Through prayer, meditation, and the eternal perspective offered by Scripture, we uncover hope and resilience.
What You’ll Discover:
Biblical Insights: Unpack Ecclesiastes 3’s message of God’s perfect timing, with references to Romans 8:18, Colossians 3:2, and more.
Guest Perspectives: Hear from Pastor Michael, Sobriety Coach Lisa, and Community Leader Jamal on navigating grief, recovery, and division.
Practical Steps: Learn 5 actionable ways to embrace your season, trust God’s timing, find joy in the present, seek an eternal perspective, and build community.
Sobriety and Faith: Discover how Ecclesiastes 3 speaks to those pursuing sobriety and spiritual growth, with tips for staying grounded in tough times.
This episode is for anyone seeking Christian encouragement, spiritual growth, or sobriety support in a world filled with uncertainty. Whether you’re grieving, battling addiction, or navigating cultural clashes, Ecclesiastes 3 reminds us that God makes “everything beautiful in its time” (Eccl. 3:11).
Subscribe & Share: Don’t miss an episode of Sacred Sobriety! Hit the like button, subscribe, and share this message of hope with someone who needs it.
Join me for a thoughtful livestream discussion at 2-pm PST of Ecclesiastes 3: A Time for Everything, a devotional message crafted to bring hope in despair and encouragement in hardship. In this episode, I want to get into the timeless wisdom of Ecclesiastes 3, reflecting on divine timing, the cycle of life, and how to trust God’s plan amidst personal and societal challenges. We address recent tragedies, including the heartbreaking death of Iryna Zarutska, the shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University, and the ongoing cultural divisiveness tearing at our communities. How do we find peace in chaos? Through prayer, meditation, and the eternal perspective offered by Scripture, we uncover hope and resilience.
What You’ll Discover:
Biblical Insights: Unpack Ecclesiastes 3’s message of God’s perfect timing, with references to Romans 8:18, Colossians 3:2, and more.
Guest Perspectives: Hear from Pastor Michael, Sobriety Coach Lisa, and Community Leader Jamal on navigating grief, recovery, and division.
Practical Steps: Learn 5 actionable ways to embrace your season, trust God’s timing, find joy in the present, seek an eternal perspective, and build community.
Sobriety and Faith: Discover how Ecclesiastes 3 speaks to those pursuing sobriety and spiritual growth, with tips for staying grounded in tough times.
This episode is for anyone seeking Christian encouragement, spiritual growth, or sobriety support in a world filled with uncertainty. Whether you’re grieving, battling addiction, or navigating cultural clashes, Ecclesiastes 3 reminds us that God makes “everything beautiful in its time” (Eccl. 3:11).
Subscribe & Share: Don’t miss an episode of Sacred Sobriety! Hit the like button, subscribe, and share this message of hope with someone who needs it.
In the latest episode of Sacred Sobriety: A Path for the Soul, this devotional, “Believing Makes a Difference,” discusses the power of faith for those on the journey of sobriety. Part of the ongoing The Crucified Life: Daily Reflections for Christians in Recovery series, this devotional message unpacks 1 Peter 1:8-9 (NASB1995), where Peter reminds us that believing in Jesus, even without seeing Him, fills us with “joy inexpressible and full of glory,” leading to the salvation of our souls.
Through expository preaching and inductive scripture study, we explore how faith anchors you in trials, replaces shame with hope, and becomes a daily choice in recovery. Drawing on scriptures like Hebrews 11:6, Romans 15:13, and Psalm 34:8, this message offers practical insights and reflective questions to help you weave faith into your sobriety journey. Key takeaways include starting each day with prayer, connecting with a recovery community, and trusting your God-given conscience to guide your choices.
A.W. Tozer’s profound questions— “What do you think of Christ? What are you going to do with Christ?”—challenge us to make faith active, while Saint Augustine’s words remind us that the reward of faith is seeing what we believe. Whether you’re battling addiction or seeking spiritual renewal, this devotional offers hope, encouragement, and actionable steps to live out your faith.
Join the Livestream!
Don’t miss the chance to experience this powerful message live! Subscribe to Sacred Sobriety: A Path for the Soul and join our community for the livestream on YouTube. Engage with fellow believers, share your reflections, and grow in faith and recovery and let’s walk this path together!
In the latest episode of Sacred Sobriety: A Path for the Soul, this devotional, “Believing Makes a Difference,” discusses the power of faith for those on the journey of sobriety. Part of the ongoing The Crucified Life: Daily Reflections for Christians in Recovery series, this devotional message unpacks 1 Peter 1:8-9 (NASB1995), where Peter reminds us that believing in Jesus, even without seeing Him, fills us with “joy inexpressible and full of glory,” leading to the salvation of our souls.
Through expository preaching and inductive scripture study, we explore how faith anchors you in trials, replaces shame with hope, and becomes a daily choice in recovery. Drawing on scriptures like Hebrews 11:6, Romans 15:13, and Psalm 34:8, this message offers practical insights and reflective questions to help you weave faith into your sobriety journey. Key takeaways include starting each day with prayer, connecting with a recovery community, and trusting your God-given conscience to guide your choices.
A.W. Tozer’s profound questions— “What do you think of Christ? What are you going to do with Christ?”—challenge us to make faith active, while Saint Augustine’s words remind us that the reward of faith is seeing what we believe. Whether you’re battling addiction or seeking spiritual renewal, this devotional offers hope, encouragement, and actionable steps to live out your faith.
Join the Livestream!
Don’t miss the chance to experience this powerful message live! Subscribe to Sacred Sobriety: A Path for the Soul and join our community for the livestream on YouTube. Engage with fellow believers, share your reflections, and grow in faith and recovery and let’s walk this path together!
At Sacred Sobriety: A Path for the Soul, I have decided to migrate all content from WordPress to Patreon. This move allows me to have one manageable place to create a more intimate, supportive space for Christians who are walking the path of sobriety and spiritual growth. Whether you’re a long-time follower or new to this community, I invite you to join me on Patreon, where both free and exclusive content awaits to nourish your soul.
Reason I am Moving to Patreon
My decision to transition to Patreon reflects my commitment to providing accessible, high-quality Christian devotional messages and content while fostering a sustainable platform for my work. All archived content will now be available exclusively to those who are paid Patreon members. This ensures that the most dedicated supporters gain access to a treasure trove of resources designed to inspire and uplift. By centralizing my content on Patreon, I am creating a seamless experience for you to explore the full library while staying connected to my mission of living a life that is mindful and crucified unto Christ – thriving in a sacred sober life.
Free Content for All: What to Expect
I personally believe that spiritual growth and sobriety support should be accessible to everyone, which is the reason all recent and new content will remain free on Patreon. This includes my latest devotional messages, downloadable PDF inductive bible study worksheets, and podcast episodes filled with hope and inspiration. Whether you’re seeking daily encouragement or practical tools for your sobriety journey, these free offerings are designed to meet you where you are. Bookmark the Patreon page to stay updated on these free resources and join the growing community of Christians seeking to deepen their faith, grow in Christ, and strengthening one another.
Livestream Schedule: Join Us Live!
Our daily livestreams remain a cornerstone of Sacred Sobriety’s mission to foster connection and spiritual awakening. Tune in Monday through Friday from 6:30 AM to 7:30 AM PST on Facebook and YouTube for morning devotional sessions, filled with scriptural messages. In the afternoons, join me from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM PST on Facebook and X for an evening devotional message from the morning livestream. These livestreams are free for all, offering a sacred space to start and end your day with intention. Don’t miss out—bookmark my Patreon page for easy access. Be sure to follow me on Facebook and X, as well as subscribe to the YouTube channel for all content, announcements, and updates.
How to Stay Connected on Patreon
To ensure you never miss a moment of Sacred Sobriety’s offerings, I encourage both current and new subscribers to bookmark the Patreon page. Paid memberships unlock the full archive, providing a wealth of resources to support your spiritual and sobriety journey. Meanwhile, free members will enjoy all new content, including livestream links, downloadable documents, and podcast episodes. By joining me on Patreon, you’re not just accessing content—you’re becoming part of a vibrant community dedicated to healing, growth, and sacred living. Visit the Patreon today and take the next step on your path.
A New Home for Sacred Sobriety
I am beyond excited to bring Sacred Sobriety: A Path for the Soul to Patreon, where I am able to share the message of hope, healing, and spiritual awakening. Whether you choose a paid membership to dive into the archives or join for free to access new content, your presence in this community is a gift. Bookmark the Patreon page now to stay connected, and join me for our daily livestreams on Facebook, YouTube, and X. Together, let’s walk this sacred path of sobriety and soulful transformation.
Anchored in Proverbs 15:30 (ESV) – “The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, and good news refreshes the bones” – this message explores how being crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20) transforms us into Sons and Daughters of Encouragement, like Barnabas.
Anchor Verse: “But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as a man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7, ESV).
Anchor Verse: “Whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:26-28, ESV)
Anchor Verse: “He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8, NASB1995)
In 2 Kings 20:5, God speaks to King Hezekiah, assuring him that his prayers are heard, his tears are seen, and healing is coming. This divine assurance is a beacon of hope for those battling inner turmoil or a crisis of faith. No matter how heavy the chains of your struggle, God’s grace is sufficient, and His power is made perfect in your weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).
The Christian Walk is a journey of faith, especially for those in recovery, where courage is essential to overcome the chains of addiction, shame, guilt, or bitterness. Hebrews 13:5-6 reminds us that God’s presence is unwavering, empowering us to face every struggle with confidence.
At Sacred Sobriety: A Path for the Soul, I have decided to migrate all content from WordPress to Patreon. This move allows me to have one manageable place to create a more intimate, supportive space for Christians who are walking the path of sobriety and spiritual growth. Whether you’re a long-time follower or new to this community, I invite you to join me on Patreon, where both free and exclusive content awaits to nourish your soul.
Reason I am Moving to Patreon
My decision to transition to Patreon reflects my commitment to providing accessible, high-quality Christian devotional messages and content while fostering a sustainable platform for my work. All archived content will now be available exclusively to those who are paid Patreon members. This ensures that the most dedicated supporters gain access to a treasure trove of resources designed to inspire and uplift. By centralizing my content on Patreon, I am creating a seamless experience for you to explore the full library while staying connected to my mission of living a life that is mindful and crucified unto Christ – thriving in a sacred sober life.
Free Content for All: What to Expect
I personally believe that spiritual growth and sobriety support should be accessible to everyone, which is the reason all recent and new content will remain free on Patreon. This includes my latest devotional messages, downloadable PDF inductive bible study worksheets, and podcast episodes filled with hope and inspiration. Whether you’re seeking daily encouragement or practical tools for your sobriety journey, these free offerings are designed to meet you where you are. Bookmark the Patreon page to stay updated on these free resources and join the growing community of Christians seeking to deepen their faith, grow in Christ, and strengthening one another.
Livestream Schedule: Join Us Live!
Our daily livestreams remain a cornerstone of Sacred Sobriety’s mission to foster connection and spiritual awakening. Tune in Monday through Friday from 6:30 AM to 7:30 AM PST on Facebook and YouTube for morning devotional sessions, filled with scriptural messages. In the afternoons, join me from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM PST on Facebook and X for an evening devotional message from the morning livestream. These livestreams are free for all, offering a sacred space to start and end your day with intention. Don’t miss out—bookmark my Patreon page for easy access. Be sure to follow me on Facebook and X, as well as subscribe to the YouTube channel for all content, announcements, and updates.
How to Stay Connected on Patreon
To ensure you never miss a moment of Sacred Sobriety’s offerings, I encourage both current and new subscribers to bookmark the Patreon page. Paid memberships unlock the full archive, providing a wealth of resources to support your spiritual and sobriety journey. Meanwhile, free members will enjoy all new content, including livestream links, downloadable documents, and podcast episodes. By joining me on Patreon, you’re not just accessing content—you’re becoming part of a vibrant community dedicated to healing, growth, and sacred living. Visit the Patreon today and take the next step on your path.
A New Home for Sacred Sobriety
I am beyond excited to bring Sacred Sobriety: A Path for the Soul to Patreon, where I am able to share the message of hope, healing, and spiritual awakening. Whether you choose a paid membership to dive into the archives or join for free to access new content, your presence in this community is a gift. Bookmark the Patreon page now to stay connected, and join me for our daily livestreams on Facebook, YouTube, and X. Together, let’s walk this sacred path of sobriety and soulful transformation.
Anchored in Proverbs 15:30 (ESV) – “The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, and good news refreshes the bones” – this message explores how being crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20) transforms us into Sons and Daughters of Encouragement, like Barnabas.
Anchor Verse: “But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as a man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7, ESV).
Anchor Verse: “Whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:26-28, ESV)
Anchor Verse: “He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8, NASB1995)
In 2 Kings 20:5, God speaks to King Hezekiah, assuring him that his prayers are heard, his tears are seen, and healing is coming. This divine assurance is a beacon of hope for those battling inner turmoil or a crisis of faith. No matter how heavy the chains of your struggle, God’s grace is sufficient, and His power is made perfect in your weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).
The Christian Walk is a journey of faith, especially for those in recovery, where courage is essential to overcome the chains of addiction, shame, guilt, or bitterness. Hebrews 13:5-6 reminds us that God’s presence is unwavering, empowering us to face every struggle with confidence.
“Hey everyone, welcome to Sacred Sobriety: A Path for the Soul! Today, we’re diving into Day 16 of our journey through Keystones of Faith: Courage and Wisdom for Christians in Recovery. Our focus? Overcoming negative self-talk—a hurdle that can trip up even the strongest of us in recovery. If you’ve ever heard that little voice in your head saying, ‘I’m not enough,’ or ‘I’ll never make it,’ then stick around. This 90-minute session is all about breaking free from those lies and stepping into the thriving, sober, and mindful life God has for you through Jesus Christ.
We’re going to unpack scripture, share practical steps, and give you key takeaways to solidify your recovery progress. Whether you’re new to Christian recovery or a seasoned traveler on this path, this video is your safe space to grow and heal. So, grab a notebook, get comfy, and let’s start with a quick prayer.”
Opening Prayer
“Holy Spirit, we invite You into this time. Help us to focus on what is true, noble, and praiseworthy in Your eyes. Guide us as we learn to overcome negative self-talk and replace lies with Your truth. Amen.”
Why Negative Self-Talk Matters in Recovery
“Let’s start by talking about what negative self-talk is and why it’s such a big deal, especially in Christian recovery. You know that inner chatter? The stuff like ‘I’m a failure,’ ‘I don’t deserve this,’ or ‘I’ll never stay sober’? That’s negative self-talk, and it’s sneaky. It creeps in when you’re tired, stressed, or facing temptation, and it can erode the newfound worth you’re building in sobriety.
In the context of sacred sobriety, this isn’t just a mental health issue—it’s a spiritual one. The enemy loves to use these lies to keep you stuck in shame, but Jesus Christ offers a better way. Overcoming negative self-talk is about reclaiming your mind for God’s truth. It’s a crucial step to living a crucified life—one that’s surrendered to Him and free from addiction’s grip.”
Today’s Scripture: Philippians 4:8
“Our anchor for today is Philippians 4:8, which says: ‘Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.’ Wow, what a verse! This is like a roadmap for our minds. It’s telling us to stop obsessing over the lies and start focusing on God’s goodness.
For those of us in recovery, this scripture is gold. When negative self-talk hits—like ‘I’m not enough’—Philippians 4:8 reminds us to pivot. Is that thought true? Noble? Right? No way! Instead, we can replace it with something praiseworthy, like God’s promise that we’re loved, redeemed, and capable through Him. This verse isn’t just inspiration; it’s a practical tool we’ll use today.”
How Negative Self-Talk Sabotages Recovery
“So, how does negative self-talk mess with your sober and mindful life? Let’s break it down. Imagine you’re having a tough day. Maybe you’re stressed, or you passed by that old spot where you used to drink. Suddenly, your mind says, ‘You’re weak. You’re going to fail.’ If you let that thought take root, it can spiral. You start believing it, and next thing you know, you’re doubting your recovery, your worth, even God’s grace.
Here’s a key takeaway: Your thoughts shape your actions. In Christian recovery, a negative mindset can make you feel defeated before you even fight the battle. It can distort how you see Jesus Christ—making Him feel distant or disappointed when, in reality, He’s right there, arms open. Overcoming negative self-talk isn’t just about feeling better; it’s about staying the course in your thriving sober life.”
Spotting the Lies: Common Negative Thoughts
“Let’s get specific. What are some negative thoughts you might face in recovery? Here’s a short list:
‘I’ll never stay sober.’
‘I’m a burden to everyone.’
‘God’s done with me.’
‘I don’t deserve happiness.’
Sound familiar? If so, you’re not alone. These lies are universal, especially when you’re rebuilding your life. But here’s the thing—they’re not true. They don’t line up with Philippians 4:8, and they don’t reflect who you are in Jesus Christ. The first step to overcoming negative self-talk is recognizing it. So, pause right now—think about the last negative thought you had. Got it? Good. We’re going to tackle it next.”
Replacing Lies with God’s Truth
“Now that we’ve spotted the lies, let’s replace them with truth. Our reflection today says it perfectly: ‘Replace lies—like “I’m not enough”—with God’s truth.’ Here’s how we do it, using scripture as our weapon. Check out these examples:
Lie: ‘I’ll never stay sober.’ Truth: ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’ (Philippians 4:13)
Lie: ‘I’m a burden.’ Truth: ‘God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.’ (2 Timothy 1:7)
Lie: ‘God’s done with me.’ Truth: ‘For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works.’ (Ephesians 2:10)
Lie: ‘I don’t deserve happiness.’ Truth: ‘There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.’ (Romans 8:1)
See the pattern? When a lie pops up, counter it with a scripture-based truth. Keep a list of these verses handy—on your phone, in a journal, wherever. Speak them out loud. There’s power in that.”
Recovery Focus: Catch and Counter
“Here’s your action step for today—our recovery focus: Catch a negative thought and counter it with a scripture-based truth. Let’s walk through it:
Catch It: Listen to your thoughts today. When something negative hits, write it down.
Challenge It: Ask, ‘Is this true? Does it match Philippians 4:8?’
Counter It: Find a scripture that shuts it down. Don’t know one? Google it or use a Bible app.
Claim It: Say the truth out loud. For example, if it’s ‘I’m not enough,’ declare, ‘I am fearfully and wonderfully made.’ (Psalm 139:14)
Try this right now. Pause the video, think of a negative thought you’ve had lately, and counter it. I’ll wait! This is how you solidify your recovery progress—one thought at a time.”
The Power of Community
“Overcoming negative self-talk isn’t a solo gig. In Christian recovery, community is huge. Surround yourself with people who’ll speak God’s truth when you can’t. Share your struggles with a friend, a mentor, or your recovery group. They can remind you of Philippians 4:8 when you’re stuck in the mud.
Isolation makes negative thoughts louder. But in community, you’re lifted up. If you don’t have a group yet, start small—reach out to someone today. You’re not a burden; you’re a blessing.”
Mindful Living: Staying in the Moment
“Another tool for your sober life? Mindful living. For us, that means staying present in God’s truth. Negative self-talk loves to drag you into the past—‘Look what you did’—or the future—‘You’ll mess up again.’ But Jesus Christ meets you right here, right now.
When you feel that spiral, take a breath. Say, ‘God’s mercies are new every morning.’ (Lamentations 3:22-23) List three things you’re grateful for today. It’s a game-changer for keeping your mind on what’s true and praiseworthy.”
A Crucified Life: Surrendering Your Mind
“Living a crucified life through Jesus Christ means surrendering everything—including your thoughts. 2 Corinthians 10:5 says we ‘take every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ.’ That’s the goal. You won’t be perfect at it overnight, but every time you catch a lie and replace it with truth, you’re living out that surrender.
This is what thriving looks like: a mind renewed, a heart aligned with Him, and a life free from the chains of negative self-talk and addiction.”
Conclusion and Call to Action
“Thanks for hanging out with us for Day 16 of Sacred Sobriety. Here’s your takeaway: Overcoming negative self-talk is a daily practice that strengthens your recovery and your faith. Keep catching those lies, countering them with scripture, and leaning on your community.
If this resonated with you, hit that like button, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs it. Check out the rest of our Keystones of Faith series for more on living a thriving, sober, and mindful life through Jesus Christ. Let’s close with today’s prayer: ‘Holy Spirit, help me focus on what is true and praiseworthy in Your eyes. Amen.’ See you next time!”
