The Cure for LONELINESS

There's a difference between being alone and being lonely

We all experience periods of loneliness at times.
Life is full of hills and valleys. 
Just because you may be alone does not require that you must feel lonely. 
There are many benefits to spending time focusing on yourself, especially in early addiction  recovery. 
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“One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Proverbs 18:24

​1. Take This Time to Focus on Yourself and Your Relationship with God

​Unlike our friends on Earth, God will never leave us or forsake us.
God will never have ill intentions for us or use us. 
He will never lie or manipulate us.
He wants the best for us and has graciously gifted his word to guide and direct our decisions.  

We understand that early addiction recovery brings many new changes. 
Changing our people, places, and things can feel challenging and possibly even overwhelming, but when we run to God and away from sin we are setting ourselves up for success. 

Start each morning in prayer.
Ask God to help you discover your purpose and to lead you in the direction that he wants you to go. 
Tell us in the comments some ways that you are working to learn your new sober self and what you are doing to grow your relationship with God. 

“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up. Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; but how can one be warm alone? Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

​2. Surround Yourself with Spirit-filled Supportive Family and Friends

When it is time to socialize do so wisely. 
Not everyone you meet in a meeting is meant to be your best friend. 
It is not recommended that two people in early addiction recovery interact outside of a group setting. 
Find someone that has years of sobriety under their belt and become friends with them. 
Or find someone that has never struggled with addiction and see if they enjoy sober activities. 
Meet people at the gym, at church, at work or at school, but whoever you meet make sure that they are going to speak life into you and encourage healthy habits. 
Be picky. 
It is better to be alone with God than to waste your time with people that may jeopardize your recovery. 

For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,’ says the LORD, ‘plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

​3. Structure

God has great plans for your life and they do not involve laziness or loneliness. 
You know what keeps you from both laziness and loneliness?
Structure. 
Start a healthy routine. 
Wake up early, spend time with Jesus in the morning, then stick to a schedule. 
If you are not working at this time - don't allow your hands to idle. 
Keep busy doing the Lord's work. 
Volunteer. 
Work your program. 
​Serve others.
And ultimately get a job!
You know what a job gives you?
Structure.
In addition to structure you also gain purpose, which  improves your self-esteem and confidence.
Working requires responsibility, which is required for a successful recovery.
There are currently so many unfulfilled job openings in our country. 
You are needed!
Go apply today!
And if you are a woman local to the Southern Illinois region reach out to Kendall Boysen for resume writing assistance and free interview attire!

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4:23

​Just Remember - You are Never Alone. 
God is with You!

​Is there something we can pray with you about today?
Please send your prayer request. 
We would love to be Your Praying Friend!

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We hope you enjoyed today's message and if you did please tell someone about Your Praying Friend, but more importantly - tell everyone about Jesus!