His rest
July 27, 2010 | Faith: Knowing Christ, Feelings: Intentional freedom
On our Live Free Facebook discussion, Shawna asked a great question: Can worry be addictive?
It depends, Shawna. Sometimes we worry for a moment, but addiction is defined as anything that becomes a need or compulsion greater than we can control. It controls us, rather than the other way around.
If your worry drives you, defines you, and holds you back, it’s crossed that line to unhealthy, and perhaps even addictive.
We often think about addiction as substance abuse, but many of us struggle in other areas that seem perfectly respectable. One person said that perfectionism is her addiction. She wanted to let go so she could relax and just be herself.
Addictions drive us. They keep us tied in knots, going down roads — whether physical or mental — that we don’t love anymore. Addiction is exhausting.
I think the people of Israel could agree with that. Today I read a beautiful chapter in Hebrews 4. They were at unrest, heading down a road they thought was an easy road, a pleasurable road, but soon they were tired of walking in circles, of serving gods that only tied them down, held them back.
“If only they would listen,” God speaks in this chapter, “but they turn a deaf ear.” I can only imagine Him looking down, wondering if they would stop and invite Him into the process so they could find rest. Paul says in this chapter:
The promise of “arrival” and “rest” is still there for God’s people. God himself is at rest. Hebrews 4:9-10a
Regardless of your addiction, there is hope because the promise of rest is still there for you and for me. I believe that with every fiber of my being, that there is no person or no situation so great that God cannot make whole.
He’s unchanging. So, He’s still looking down at us in compassion, asking you and I to stop and listen for His voice, inviting us to climb into the “Abba-daddy” arms of our Heavenly Father (regardless of what other people think of you or me; regardless of theology that asks you to clean up, straighten up, be better before you call His name) as He does what only He can do.
Break the bonds that bind us and lead us into rest.
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Amen… Praise HIM!
July 28th, 2010 at 9:47 ambeautifully put… Thank you for your insight as usual!
July 29th, 2010 at 8:56 amIt was hard-earned and sometimes a slow process to learn this, Christy. : ) But I’m so thankful for that rest.
July 29th, 2010 at 9:50 pm