Battling Addictionਨਮੂਨਾ

Strong Enough to Ask for Help

It is essential for us to rely on God and one another. Scripture reminds us of this, particularly in the book of Proverbs. For instance, Proverbs 11:14 (ESV) tells us, “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in the abundance of counsellors, there is safety.” Similarly, Proverbs 19:20 (ESV) encourages us to “Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.”

In a world that often tries to convince us that men should face challenges alone, this is not the case. God designed us for community, and this is even more vital when we’re grappling with addiction.

Reaching out for help can feel daunting, but you are not alone in this journey. Having a face-to-face conversation can be overwhelming, especially when seeking help. If approaching someone in person feels too intimidating at first, consider writing a letter or email instead. Writing things down can give you the space to collect your thoughts and express your needs. It may also help you discover deeper connections to your struggles. Reach out to a pastor or someone you feel comfortable with; it’s important to connect with someone you trust. Remember, you're not alone in this.

When you feel ready, consider reaching out to someone who has gone through a similar experience. Connecting with someone who truly understands what you're facing can be incredibly comforting. One of the reasons Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) has helped so many people is that your sponsor and colleagues have walked a similar path and found their way to recovery. They can genuinely relate to your struggles and offer support grounded in their own experiences. They care and can provide the understanding you need.

It’s vital to reach out to someone you trust. Life can be incredibly challenging, and God should always be our first refuge during those tough times. Pray for His guidance to help you identify someone who can support you. Seek out someone who has stood by you through difficult moments. Ideally, this could be a brother in faith, someone who understands your struggles and is willing to walk alongside you.

Asking for help can feel intimidating. However, embracing vulnerability can lead to a tremendous sense of relief as you begin to move toward recovery. You don’t have to navigate this alone; leaning on others is okay.

If you or someone you love is battling addiction, please consider reaching out to Celebrate Recovery, a Christian 12-step recovery program.

Prayer: Father, I come to You with a heavy heart, praying that we find the courage to reach out for help when we need it. Life can be so challenging for men, and it's easy to feel alone in our struggles. Remind us that seeking support is not a sign of weakness, but a brave step toward healing. Please help us turn to you and each other for guidance and strength. Amen.

Reflection: Is there anywhere in your life where addiction is at work? If you find yourself in need of help, perhaps this is the right moment to reach out to another brother for support. Remember, you are not alone in this journey.