NACR Daily Meditation for Thursday, May 8, 2003

8 May 2003 07:00:02 -0000

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NACR Daily Meditation for Thursday, May 8, 2003

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A despairing man should have the devotion of his friends, even though he
forsakes the fear of the Almighty.

Job 6:14

At some point during the recovery process we re-examine our most fundamental
beliefs. A long process of sorting, examining and questioning takes place.
And, in that process, our relationship with God is challenged. It is possible
that our relationship with God will deepen and strengthen in the process.
But it is also possible that we will find ourselves pulling away from God.
We may find ourselves angry with God, or afraid of God, or unable to believe
in God at all. This can be a frightening experience. It can feel like the
very foundations of life are being shaken. 

In times like this, we need many things. But at the top of the list is our
need for friends who will accept us even if we turn away from God. We need
friends who will not minimize our struggle or discount our feelings. We
need people who will not be shocked when we are full of rage at God. We
need friends who are able to hear the deep pain behind our words and who
know that this, too, is part of our healing. We need people who can see
beyond the immediate pain to the healing that can come.

Even when we forsake the fear of God, we need friends who understand, who
are committed to us for the long haul, and who plead with God on our behalf.

Sometimes I feel agnostic, Lord, 
I just don't know anymore.
Sometimes I want nothing to do with you.
Where were you when I needed you the most?
Sometimes I despair, Lord.
Sometimes I can't seem to hope.

I need friends who will not abandon me, Lord.
I need friends who will be patient and grace-full with my anger and fear.
I need friends who will stay with me as we wait for you to show yourself
once again.
I need friends, Lord, who will give me courage to hope again in you.
Send help, Lord.
Amen.

Copyright 1991 Dale and Juanita Ryan 

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ROOTED IN GOD'S LOVE (the book from which these meditations are taken, is back in print! To order call our office at 714-529-6227 ext 111 or order online at

http://www.nacronline.com/dox/store/dox/nacrbooks.htm

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Meditations from previous days can be viewed at:  

http://two.pairlist.net/pipermail/nacrmed/

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Plan now to join us at STEPS 2003, a national conference for Christians in recovery jointly sponsored by the NACR and Overcomers Outreach. It will be held June 26-28, 2003 in Southern California. Plenary speakers are Steve Arterburn, David Stoop, Rich Buhler, Sandra Wilson, Mark Laaser and Ann Kiemel Anderson. Over 45 workshops. Support groups. Specialized gatherings. And lots of fellowship and support for your recovery. Details as they become available and online registration will be at:

 http://www.nacronline.com/dox/steps2003.htm

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