I counseled a young, (16 year old), not long ago about substance abuse. When trying to help someone who is struggling with alcohol or drug abuse, I find it is best to first understand why the person is attracted to muddling up their mind.
Are they altering their mind in order to compensate for some tragedy or pain filled experience that they don’t feel adequate to handle without numbing their brain? Or are they simply desirous of obtaining an artificial euphoric state? Why can’t they cope with life without anesthetizing their brain? Is it an escape mechanism or do they crave excitement?
I once discussed alcohol and drug abuse with a pregnant lady. She was in a quandary because she was going to have to stop taking drugs and alcohol during her pregnancy and was looking for something she could take that wouldn’t harm her baby. I was quizzing her as to why she didn’t just stop taking drugs and alcohol altogether, and she looked at me with desperation in her eyes and said, “Everyone has to have something”. Then she wondered out loud if she could at least smoke a little pot to take the edge off.
Huh? She would actually consider giving marijuana to her unborn child still in the womb. Geez… I saw something similar with a young man I was counseling who was trying to get into the Coast Guard. His problem was that they required a drug test that would detect marijuana and other drug use from 60 days ago. Quitting for that short length of time was proving to be a formidable task for him. He finally did it; (how I do not know because this youngster loved his drugs).
I abused drugs and alcohol for years. Why? Because my mind was filled with pain, anger, bitterness, low self-esteem, and hopelessness. I looked to drugs, alcohol, sex, and other things to make it better. It didn’t; it made it worse. The same problems were there afterwards, and my hangovers and withdrawal symptoms just compounded the problems.
How about you? Are you sad and blue? Do you desire a magic pill that will pick you up? Can you go out with friends and have a good time without popping a Valium or altering your mind by guzzling a few cocktails, wines, or beers? Do you feel witty enough? Bold enough? Attractive enough? Or do you need “something”?
I shared with my young teenager friend that I had tried most everything the world has to offer at what time or another. Satan threw the book at me and sent practically every tool in his possession at me with sex, drugs, alcohol, money, brilliant career with huge accomplishments, fame, power, material things; you name it. Not surprisingly it quickly wore off and I still had that emptiness in my gut and a broken heart. I could never find that “something” that I needed in any of those things. Thank God I found Jesus and now I can go out to eat or to parties without getting all drunked up. Today I look to Jesus for therapy and stress relief. He takes away my low self-esteem and gives me confidence, soothes my pain, and replaces bitterness and anger with His unrelenting love for me; He is my hero.
As it states in the Bible, “His grace is sufficient for me”.
I just walked outside and watched the Perseids meteor shower. It was something to behold with “falling stars” streaking across the sky every few minutes. Every time I stare into the heavens I’m amazed at the vastness of the Universe. I wonder what delights lie just beyond what we can see. As I looked into the star studded inky black skies and watched the light show I felt the presence of God right at my side. I imagined Him to have a big smile on His face as He delighted in the amazing display of this small but gorgeous sampling of His glory with me.
I suppose He enjoys it as much as anyone. It is His fireworks display after all, and as always is unequaled in magnificence. Even though it was spectacular I knew that He was far more interested in spending time with me, His adopted son than anything at that particular moment.
At daybreak I’ll hop in my truck and ease around the plantation. Lately I’ve been seeing does with spotted fawns hopping everywhere. If I’m lucky I might even see an old black bear ambling along and maybe even a wild turkey flock or two will fly down and start the day looking for breakfast. To be sure He’ll be right there with me smiling and laughing for that adventure as well.
I don’t need pot, pills, or beers, or anything the evil one can offer up. The something I need is good times spent with my Father. I hope this makes sense to you. There will be no mind altering substances in heaven. Our smiles will come from being with the Father as He amazes us over and again with His brilliant creation. Hey, why wait until heaven to get into this action when we can start today.
2 Cor. 12:9
Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.
August 13, 2015 – Click here to listen