Restoration; Recovery Step 2

Welcome to February – the middle of winter where I live! Now, in case you didn’t know, I’m a self-proclaimed weather geek. I’m fascinated by the science of it all, so I don’t put any stock in the little Pennsylvania rodent – but – I am liking the “call” for more winter. Sorry, y’all; it’s a health thing (and I do love the snow) =)

“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters*. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness* for his name’s sake.” Psalm 23:1-3 ESV. (*Hebrew: beside waters of rest. Or in right paths)

Do you need restoration today? I do. Sometimes it’s small respites & restoration that I need; sometimes much deeper levels.

Mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually – sometimes I need it all at once!

Do you need a shepherd too? I do as well. Of course, that implies that I’m like a sheep and if you’ve studied anything about these creatures, they have been given kind of a bad rap – with people believing that they are not exactly the sharpest tool in the shed and that’s why they need a shepherd. But actually, according to Raising Sheep‘s website, they’re not dumb animals at all.

Sheep have an incredible ability to form friendships, defend their friends, have a variety of emotions (and can express them), but also are quick learners too. But, they are still herd animals and do need a leader, of course – or as my husband said as we were talking about this subject, they just need an adult in the room.

Kind of like us…

I think the analogy is pretty profound; like a sheep, I, as a human, full of emotional energy, need a shepherd. I need his leadership down the right paths, protection, and guidance. I need his saving and I need his restoration – in big ways sometimes too.

David knew what he was saying here in this very famously quoted psalm. He was a highly experienced shepherd. He knew how sheep were. He likened himself to a herd animal like sheep, as we see in Psalm 23, and David was chosen to be one the greatest of kings – in the lineage of the one true King; THE Shepherd, Jesus.

Wow. There’s so much we could unpack there, but I’ll try to stay on point.

Step 2, (of the 12 Steps) from a Christian perspective, is all about recognizing that when my life becomes unmanageable, as we acknowledge in Step 1, and feel like I need my mind mended as a result, that I need to come to a place of believing a power greater than myself, could restore me (us) to sanity.

Remember, in Step 1 as well, we admitted that we were powerless over our addictions and compulsive behaviors so hey – something’s got to change – in a positive way. I clearly haven’t been able to do so on my own, so believing in something – someone – more than myself, is necessary for me to find sanity and serenity.

It’s necessary for me to fully recover.

“We came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.“

Celebrate Recovery, which I often quote here from my years involved in the ministry, applies the scripture, Philippians 2:13 as the reference as well: “For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” (NIV).

I also like the Living Bible version, because it’s telling me that God is actually helping me to do His will. “For God is at work within you, helping you want to obey him, and then helping you do what he wants.“

I know He wants me to trust Him, to fully rely on Him, to “let go and let God” in every way. It’s amazing to know this “power greater than myself” WANTS to do this – and CAN do this. He WILL do this if I surrender – but that’s Step 3. Right now, all we need to do, if we want to be restored to sanity, is believe that He exists, and does have the ability to do all that – and more, in and through us.

Step 2 states I came to believe. Awakenings are part of THE Shepherd – God’s incredible plan for our lives! Who’s with me in taking this next step? If you already have, what has your experience on this journey been like as you travel the road to recovery with God? Please share it here with others so they too will see that recovery, healing, and restoration are possible – and can be right around the corner for anyone; for whosoever shall come.

Let’s receive God’s precious refreshing and pass that onto others; it’s reciprocal you know 💜.