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Faith & Recovery

The Holidays and Recovery: Finding Hope, Strength, and Jesus in a Challenging Season

For many people, the holidays are wrapped in warmth—lights, laughter, parties, meals, family gatherings, and traditions. But for others, especially those walking the recovery road, the holidays can feel complicated. A season intended to bring joy can instead stir anxiety, loneliness, grief, financial stress, or memories of a past shaped by addiction. The contrast is often overwhelming: the world is celebrating while your heart may still be healing.

Yet it is in this very tension that the message of Christmas and the hope of Jesus shine the brightest. Recovery isn’t suspended during the holiday season, it continues, often with more intensity. But the good news is this: Jesus meets you in the very place where your heart feels stretched the most. The same Savior who came into a broken world comes into your broken places today with peace, strength, and restoration.

  1. Holidays Expose Our Triggers—But They Also Reveal Our Deepest Need for Jesus

For many in recovery, the holidays bring a flood of emotional triggers: gatherings where alcohol is present, strained family dynamics, shame over the past, loneliness, or a painful sense of not fitting in. Even sights and sounds—Christmas music, certain foods, old traditions—can stir memories of who you used to be or seasons marked by addiction.

But triggers aren’t signs of failure; they’re signals of need.

The first three steps of recovery tell the truth we often avoid: I can’t do this alone. I need a power greater than myself. Christmas reminds us that this Power has a name—Jesus.

  • He came into darkness, not light.
  • He came into human weakness, not strength.
  • He came into messiness, not perfection.

The holiday season reveals our humanity, but that is exactly where the Savior enters.
When you feel overwhelmed, you are positioned to experience His nearness in a deeper way.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).

Christmas is God’s declaration that He refuses to leave you alone in your struggle.

  1. Jesus the Savior Comes to Rescue You—Right in the Holidays

The birth of Jesus is more than a heartwarming nativity scene—it is God launching a rescue mission. The Savior entered the world not for people who had it all together, but for those who were sinking.

In recovery, you may feel the weight of expectations during Christmas:
I should be further along by now. I should be stronger. I shouldn’t still struggle.

But Jesus doesn’t come with shame; He comes with rescue.

He steps into your holiday stress, emotional overwhelm, cravings, relational wounds, and fears with the same invitation He offered Peter as he sank in the waves: “Take courage… I am here” (Matthew 14:27).

Your recovery doesn’t pause for Christmas—but neither does His saving grace.
Each day of the season, He extends His hand. Each moment, He whispers, “I came for you.”

  1. The Holy Spirit Empowers You When You Feel Weak

Christmas celebrates Jesus coming to earth, but it also points forward to the gift of the Holy Spirit—God’s empowering presence in your daily recovery.

Holidays can drain emotional and mental strength.
Old patterns try to re-emerge.
Stress piles up.
Temptations grow louder.

But the Holy Spirit grows stronger in the surrendered heart.

When you feel:

  • Weak → He becomes your strength
  • Confused → He becomes your guide
  • Triggered → He becomes your peace
  • Tempted → He becomes your power
  • Lonely → He becomes your Comforter

“Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit,” says the Lord (Zechariah 4:6).

Your recovery during the holidays isn’t sustained by willpower—but by the Holy Spirit filling the places where your natural ability falls short.

He empowers you to choose boundaries.
He empowers you to choose honesty.
He empowers you to choose peace over chaos, prayer over panic, and surrender over self-reliance.

  1. Jesus the Healer Restores What the Holidays Bring to the Surface

The holidays often reopen old wounds—loss, trauma, rejection, abandonment, disappointments, or the ache of what “should have been.” Recovery is not just about staying sober; it’s about allowing Jesus to heal the deeper roots that once drove addiction.

This season, let Jesus be your Healer:

  • He heals grief.
  • He heals memories.
  • He heals family hurt.
  • He heals emotional triggers.
  • He heals the lies you still believe about yourself.

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds” (Psalm 147:3).

Healing rarely happens in quiet seasons—it often happens in the messy ones.
So if this holiday feels heavy, don’t assume something is wrong. It may be the place Jesus is ready to do His deepest work.

  1. You Can Create a Christ-Centered Recovery Plan for the Holidays

Recovery doesn’t happen accidentally—it happens intentionally.

Here are spiritually grounded steps to stay steady through the season:

  1. Start each day with Scripture before anything else.

Set your mind on truth before stress has a chance to speak.

  1. Pray simple, honest prayers.

“Jesus, lead me. Strengthen me. Keep me sober. Heal what hurts.”

  1. Stay connected to safe people.

Isolation is one of the enemy’s favorite holiday weapons.

  1. Have a boundary plan.

Decide ahead of time what you will and will not participate in.

  1. Use Step 10 daily.

A quick spiritual inventory keeps you grounded and honest.

  1. Serve someone else.

Helping another person breaks the power of self-focus and strengthens your recovery.

  1. Stay aware of HALT (Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired).

Holidays heighten all four—name them early.

Jesus doesn’t ask you to survive the holidays—He strengthens you to walk through them with clarity, confidence, and His presence.

  1. The Hope of Christmas Is the Hope of Recovery

Christmas tells the truest story of recovery:

  • Light shines into darkness.
  • Hope breaks into despair.
  • God comes near to the broken.
  • Restoration begins in unexpected places.
  • Healing starts with surrender.
  • A Savior comes to rescue, empower, and restore.

No matter what your holidays have looked like in the past, Jesus offers you something new this year:
Peace that surpasses understanding.
Strength beyond your own.
Healing that reaches your deepest places.
And hope that is stronger than addiction.

You’re not walking this season alone.
You’re not fighting for freedom by yourself.
And you’re not left to navigate holiday stress in your own strength.

Jesus came for you.
Jesus stays with you.
And Jesus will carry you through.

This is the message of Christmas.
This is the promise of recovery.

Faith & Recovery

A Journey of Surrender: 12 Steps + 12 Songs + 1 Higher Power

Music Album Cover

“A Journey of Surrender” 12 Steps + 12 Songs + 1 Higher Power isn’t just an album, it’s a powerful, musical guide through the 12 steps. Each song speaks to the raw emotions of addiction, the humbling realization of powerlessness, and the hope of recovery.

This album, composed by songwriter and ordained minister John Lippard, shares his personal story of healing through music and spirituality.

Not your same old recovery routine, don’t wait another day, break up your routine today! Recovery Through Music and Faith.

With the “A Journey of Surrender Song Analysis Workbook,” you’ll explore each step, guided by the transformative power of Jesus as your Higher Power.

Here’s what you’ll discover:

* A unique musical experience that deepens your understanding of the 12 Steps

* A personal connection with Jesus Christ

* Deeper understanding of the spiritual principles of recovery

* Practical tools and exercises for daily life

This workbook is your guide to lasting peace.

Find your own path to surrender and find lasting peace. Get your copy of “A Journey of Surrender” today!

A Journey of Surrender 12 Steps 12 Songs 1 Higher Power CD

A 12-Step Song Study: A Journey of Surrender Workbook

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Faith & Recovery

Grace That Heals: Forgiveness on the Recovery Road

Let’s be real — forgiveness isn’t always easy. But it’s one of the most freeing, life-changing things you can do, especially if you’re walking the road of addiction recovery.

Forgiveness isn’t just about “being nice.” It’s about breaking chains, finding peace, and stepping into a brand-new life God has for you. Here is seven to learn and understand about forgiveness from a Christian perspective.

  1. Addiction Is a Battle — But You’re Not Alone

Addiction isn’t just a bad habit. It’s a spiritual battle for your heart, mind, and soul. But here’s the good news: you don’t fight it alone. In Christ, there’s hope, redemption, and the power to change.

  1. Forgiveness = Freedom

Guilt and shame are heavy. Forgiveness sets you free.

  • Forgive yourself — because God already has.
  • Forgive others — not to excuse what happened, but to release the bitterness that’s been holding you hostage.
  1. Grace Crushes Shame

God’s grace says: You’re loved. You’re forgiven. You’re worth saving.
When you believe that, shame starts losing its grip, and you start seeing yourself the way God sees you — redeemed and treasured.

  1. Healing Relationships

Addiction can damage relationships, but forgiveness can help rebuild them. Even if things can’t go back to how they were, grace opens the door for understanding, trust, and peace.

  1. Letting Go and Letting God

Recovery isn’t about controlling everything. It’s about surrender. Hand your struggles to God. Trust Him with the outcome. He’s big enough to carry it all.

  1. Forgive Yourself, Too

If God says you’re forgiven, don’t keep punishing yourself. Show yourself the same compassion you’d show a friend in your shoes.

  1. Share Your Story

Someone out there needs to hear what you’ve been through — and how God’s forgiveness brought you through it. Your story might be the hope they’re looking for.

Final Thought

Forgiveness doesn’t erase the past — it transforms your future. Every time you choose grace over resentment, you’re walking deeper into the freedom God designed for you.

Your past doesn’t define you. God’s forgiveness does.

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Faith & Recovery

The Power of God in Overcoming Addiction

For many of us on the recovery road our road has been faith in Jesus Christ. That’s where we turned to when we struggled with addiction. Struggling with addiction and trying to overcome the addiction can feel like it is insurmountable and that there is nowhere to turn for help. This is why seeking assistance from God can be so helpful. God provides an unconditional source of love and understanding when facing addiction—something that can often be hard to find in other sources of help. Additionally, He gives us strength and courage to tackle our struggles.

The Bible also teaches us how to develop a greater trust in God’s plan and guidance which may lead us towards peace and joy despite our difficulties with addiction. Furthermore, we are reminded that God is always present when times are hard, encouraging us through prayer and providing a network of support through His church family.

The power of connecting with God can have a profound impact on recovery from addiction because He offers hope where none appears to exist. Through His guidance, we may also come to understand what has led us towards addictive behaviors in order to make lasting changes for better health and wellbeing. As James 4:7 says, “Submit yourselves therefore [to God], resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Ultimately, it is important to remember that the devil can only be resisted by submitting to God. This submission should be reflected in every action we take and every decision we make. To resist the devil, it is imperative that our attitudes and intentions are in line with what God wants. We must be grounded in His Word and regularly pray to Him in order to ensure that our will is aligned with His. We need to rely on the strength of faith that God provides us, trusting in Him and His plan for us.

Additionally, we must be mindful of how the devil may tempt us and be prepared to shut down any thoughts or actions that do not align with the will of God. By surrendering our life to God, trusting in Him, and being aware of the devil’s tactics, we can be victorious in resisting evil and ultimately experience true joy and peace.

Having faith in God that He will guide you through a successful recovery can be an incredibly powerful tool in helping to overcome any obstacles or difficulties along your journey. When you have faith, it gives you hope that things will get better and the strength to strive for success, even when it seems impossible. It also helps you to focus on the positive aspects of life and not dwell on the negative or despair. Having faith also brings with it a sense of peace, which can help to reduce stress and anxiety. Furthermore, it allows you to draw upon spiritual understanding and wisdom, so that you can make wise decisions about your recovery process. With faith in God, your recovery becomes an act of spiritual growth as well as physical healing, which ultimately leads to greater outcomes for yourself and your loved ones who are supporting you along the way.

God’s love and grace can have a powerful and positive impact on overcoming addiction. Addiction is an illness that can lead to feelings of worthlessness, guilt, and hopelessness; however, with God’s help those feelings can be replaced with peace, faith, and joy. Through prayer and self-reflection, individuals can gain the strength they need to break away from unhealthy behaviors that are rooted in addiction. God’s grace also extends beyond just helping individuals overcome addiction; it also provides them with the courage to face their struggles head on by facing the underlying causes of their addictions and seeking help when needed. By embracing God’s unconditional love and grace, those struggling with addiction can find true healing as they receive comfort from knowing that God will never leave them or forsake them during their journey of recovery.

Accepting God’s Help

Accepting help from God is key in overcoming addiction. When individuals can admit that they are not capable of fighting their addiction alone, they open the door to realizing that external help is available. God provides a source of strength and support that can enable an addicted person to make progress on their journey towards recovery. Acknowledging and relying on this help helps to build faith, trust and hope which are essential to break free from the cycle of addiction. By having faith in God, individuals may be able to find the courage and perseverance necessary to confront their addictions head on. Through prayer and spiritual guidance, an individual may find solace in knowing that there is something greater than themselves working to lift them up out of the pit of their addiction. Having faith also serves as a reminder that while an individual may have made mistakes in the past, redemption is always possible through God’s grace and mercy. When addicted individuals rely on God’s help, they often become part of a larger community of believers who can provide much-needed support during times of struggle and temptation. With a strong sense of fellowship and camaraderie within these communities comes accountability – something that addicts typically In communities of addiction, there is often a strong sense of support and camaraderie. This sense of kinship can be incredibly powerful and uplifting, providing a much-needed source of hope for addicts. Yet with this fellowship comes an implicit expectation of responsibility and accountability; something that addicts are typically unaccustomed to or uncomfortable with. To stay connected with the group and remain accountable, members must demonstrate consistency in both behavior and effort. This creates a sense of stability and safety, allowing participants to maintain focus on their recovery and progress towards sobriety. Ultimately, it is this firm foundation of trust and accountability that can help turn an addict’s life around for the better.

Asking for God’s help and guidance is something we can do at any time and in any place. It is a simple yet powerful way of connecting with the divine, and the process of praying can offer comfort and insight into our lives. To ask for help from God, start by quieting your mind and focusing on your breath. Close your eyes and take several deep breaths, paying attention to how each one feels as it flows in and out of your body. Once you are calm and relaxed, bring to mind whatever it is that you need help with or would like guidance on – whether it be a problem, an obstacle or even just an affirmation. Visualize this issue surrounded by light from the divine source, knowing that whatever outcome you need will come to pass. Then, express your request out loud or in silence: thank God for all that has been given to you, explain what it is that you seek assistance with or guidance on, then open yourself up to receive the answer or response that is necessary.

One of the most important elements of having a relationship with God is learning how to be honest and open with Him. This can be difficult as it requires being vulnerable and admitting our shortcomings, but it is essential for growing closer to God. Here are some tips on how to approach this process: 1. Pray often. While praying, take time to really focus on what your heart wants to say, as well as what you need from God during each prayer session. Speak freely and fully express your gratitude and worries with God, making sure to give Him the proper respect due. 2. Be honest about who you are and where you’re at in life, even if you feel ashamed or embarrassed about it. Don’t hold back when talking about your struggles; in fact, be sure to tell even the hard things you may be dealing with or hiding from yourself or other people. It’s alright for God to know that we’re human and have flaws – He knows us better than we can ever imagine! 3. Create a safe space strictly devoted to conversations with God so that you can relax there and open up without any distractions or pressure from outside forces.

Developing a Relationship with God

The development of a strong relationship with God is essential for many reasons. It leads to a greater understanding of the divine and all its mysteries, which impacts our daily lives. By deepening and strengthening our bond with God, we are able to form a deeper sense of connection not just to the spiritual realm, but also to ourselves and those around us. This can be achieved through prayer, meditation, reading scripture, attending religious services, or simply spending time in nature — wherever it is that brings you closer to your creator. Having a strong relationship with God will provide us with the strength and guidance we all need in life’s struggles. For example, when faced with difficult decisions or moral dilemmas, having faith in God helps us find solutions that benefit everyone involved in the situation — rather than focusing on our own interests alone. In addition, having faith in God gives us hope for a better future; it gives us something tangible to cling onto during times of loss and hardship. Recognizing that our ultimate source of strength lies within God can help us find peace amidst chaos and encouragement during trials. Ultimately, developing a strong relationship with God requires consistency and dedication — such as devoting time each day for prayer or developing a strong relationship with God requires dedication and consistency. Devoting time each day for prayer, bible study, and reflection is essential for deepening one’s faith. Reading holy scriptures, attending church services, and participating in religious activities can also help to build a closer connection with the divine. Practicing acts of charity and generosity towards others, as well as cultivating an attitude of gratitude, are additional ways to strengthen the bond between oneself and their faith. By committing to regular spiritual practices, believers can foster a lasting relationship with God and reap the spiritual benefits that come with it.

Prayer is an integral part of a relationship with God. It’s a way to express yourself openly and honestly to the Lord, share your feelings and struggles, make requests, and receive divine guidance. Prayer is also an opportunity to thank God for His many blessings in your life. By engaging in prayer, we nurture our spiritual connection with God. We allow ourselves to be vulnerable in His presence, putting aside pride and ego so that we can humbly offer up our thoughts and emotions. By committing time to prayer each day, we create space for God to speak into our lives and show us the way forward. Prayer helps us build faith in Him by deepening our trust and reliance on the Almighty. We recognize that He has all power, wisdom, knowledge, and authority over all things, which gives us great comfort when facing difficult situations or overwhelming problems. In addition to helping us form a meaningful bond with the Lord, prayer also allows us to know Him more fully as we learn about His character through studying scripture or listening for His still small voice within us. As we take time for prayer regularly, we come to understand more clearly who God is and how much He loves us as His children — something that can give us.

To make time for God in your daily life, it can be helpful to begin by setting aside some dedicated time each day specifically for prayer and reading the Bible. This could be done first thing in the morning or right before bed. In addition, throughout the day look for spiritual opportunities that arise such as taking a few moments of quiet reflection when feeling frustrated or overwhelmed or speaking words of blessing over someone who crosses your path. Taking a midday break to go for a nature walk is also an excellent way to pause the chaos of life and gain perspective from a spiritual angle. Lastly, carving out space to have meaningful conversations with people who have different beliefs and spirituality helps us see things from a divine point of view. By making intentionality part of our daily routine, we can find joy in fostering our relationship with God each day.

Living According to God’s Will

It is important to live according to God’s will, as it honors and respects the almighty power of God. In doing so, we acknowledge that His will should be our highest priority in life and all decisions we make should reflect that understanding. Living according to God’s will also help us grow in faith, as it enables us to place all of our trust in Him and accept the plans He has for our lives without questioning them. Furthermore, living according to God’s will allows us to follow a righteous path that not only brings joy and peace to those around us but also brings glory and honor to our Creator through our actions. It is often difficult to discern God’s will, but when we strive to stay obedient in following His direction, we can experience a life filled with purpose, abundance, and blessings.

Aligning one’s life with God’s teachings can be a difficult but rewarding journey. It requires dedication and a deep commitment to living according to the principles outlined in scripture. To begin, it is important to establish a daily practice of prayer and Bible study. This will help create an awareness of how God wants us to live our lives daily. Additionally, it is important to take time for reflection and introspection to remain true to oneself and understand one’s purpose in life. It is also beneficial to join with like-minded people in Christian community to share experiences and learn from one another. Additionally, developing the habit of engaging with Scripture on a regular basis allows for growth and reinforces knowledge of God’s word. Finally, know that even if there are times when life gets busy or circumstances make it hard to remain committed, there is always hope that adherence to Christian principles will eventually become second nature.

Building strength and resilience through faith involves forming a deeper connection with the divine. This can be done by engaging in spiritual practices such as prayer or meditation. Through these activities, one can learn to cultivate a sense of peace and contentment as well as develop an understanding of their values and life purpose. Additionally, studying religious texts, attending worship services and engaging in charity work or service can help to fortify faith and bring greater meaning to life. Regular prayer is also a way to foster emotional healing by allowing for quiet reflection and contemplation. To truly gain strength from faith, it is essential to build relationships within the community and stay mindful of your spiritual journey. This requires commitment, dedication, and continual practice so that you can experience clarity during times of challenge or adversity.

It’s the Power and Faith

The power of faith and trust in God is truly remarkable and can be an essential factor in overcoming addiction. When we turn to God for His help, He promises to never abandon us. He will lift us up, give us strength, and provide the guidance we need to find our way out of addiction. Our faith gives us hope that our lives can be transformed if we are willing to take the necessary steps towards healing and sobriety. We need not go through this alone – with faith, God will always be there to walk with us every step of the way. As St. Augustine once said: “Faith is to believe what you do not see; the reward of this faith is to see what you believe.” No matter how dark and scary our journey may be, with faith and trust in God, we can have confidence that all things are possible no matter how impossible they may seem at first.

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