2:184 – Withdrawal Symptoms

#faithbites #faithjourney withdrawal

Have you ever experienced withdrawl symptoms? That is when your body is used to certain stimuli and then it is removed. Most people see that in cases of drugs.

I have had withdrawal symptoms twice in my life. Once from narcotics, it was prescription medication that I was supposed to have but got addicted during treatment. Had about two weeks of withdrawal because I didn’t want the meds any more.

The second time is right now as I’m coming off of caffeine for medical reasons.

Withdrawal symptoms suck. From headaches to bathroom issues to irritability to fatigue, it stinks. Last time though I had the sweats, restless leg, and more. It was bad.

What does this have to do with faith? Our spirits crave love, direction, acceptance, and salvation. When we don’t have it, we fall into temptation, son, bad choices, and a life of struggling to find meaning. When we are not connected to Christ, we feel the withdrawal from God’s love

Scripture

• “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:6-7
• The righteous cry out and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all.” Psalm 34:17-19
• “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on the wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31

Reflection

No anxiety, troubles washed away, strength, salvation, not weary, and not faint. These are what we are given when we are connected to God. Without knowing him or being connected we feel and see withdrawal symptoms in our lives.

When you have withdrawal symptoms in life, there are some things that may mute some of them like showers, sleep, meditation, etc. Nothing but time makes them go away unless you go back to what you are withdrawing from..

When we are separated, we try to lessen the symptoms with all manner of things: drugs, exercise, relationships, money, work, physical objects. While some of them give you immediate relief, they don’t solve the problem.

When we acknowledge the source of our pain, not being connected to God, then we can reach out to him and feel his love. Then our symptoms disappear. Life isn’t perfect but with God on our side, we will never fails.

Charge

Are you suffering from withdrawal symptoms? Look to the Lord. Say a pray. Being to know your father. That emptiness with start to be replaced with love.

Prayer

Lord, thank you for being in our lives. Some of us are suffering physical withdrawal and other spiritual withdrawal. Help those pains to be lessened in us. Give us direction to find you, know you, and love you. We know when we are in step with you, we will be made whole. This is a challenge for sure, but with our faith in you, we can be healed. In your name, Amen.