Reminders of Hope

I wrote this devotion several years ago when our family was going through some tough years. Something inside nagged me to pull it out and submit it. Addiction strikes more families than we know. But never in my worst nightmare did I think ours would be one of them. Each time we’d think healing was on the horizon, that thief of addiction would sneak back, stealing our hope. 

That downtown drive to work on Good Friday put Easter in real perspective for me. Cold darkness in the shadows of high-rise buildings resembled our lives. Bright blasts of sunrise through intersection crossings brought reminders of the bits of hope I’d continue to cling to. And that incredible brilliance of the sunbeams bouncing from one mirrored structure to another filled me with a warmth and peace that I could only describe as Jesus holding me in his loving arms. 

Having been brought up in the church, my husband and I had raised our kids with the same Christian values. I do admit, however, to yelling at God a few times when prayers seemed to go unanswered. Although I knew God could handle my anger and I didn’t have to pretend to be OK with God, I still felt bad for my outbursts and would seek forgiveness. Through it all, my faith didn’t waiver. In fact, it grew stronger. I can’t imagine going through struggles without faith. 

During those years of waiting, I prayed relentlessly, wore out my Bible, read books on the subject, and attended Celebrate Recovery at the church—something I highly recommend for anyone whose lives are touched by addiction. Until I went to those meetings, I had no idea how many were going through similar situations. Suddenly, we weren’t alone. 

I also found comfort in a local Christian radio station. It became my lifeline, both on hard days and days of rejoicing. Every song and encouraging word seemed to speak to me. 

It was a long road, but God has blessed us so richly. We’ve had so many answered prayers. I realize things could have turned out much differently, and I thank God for where we are today. To anyone who finds themselves in the midst of these struggles—keep holding on, knowing that the Son surrounds you. Remember the words of the prophet, Isaiah: “Don’t fear, because I am with you; don’t be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will surely help you; I will hold you with my righteous strong hand” (Is. 41:10, CEB).