A New Way of Life

By Sheila Knudson, NE Regional Director

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.
See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”
Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIV)

My former way of life was pretty messed up and miserable. I lived in the vicious cycle of shame, guilt, fear, and anxiety. Different day, different misery! I often asked God, “Why are these things happening to me?” It wasn’t until I started working the 8 Principles of Celebrate Recovery, based on the Beatitudes, that I was able to turn the “Why?” into “What?” “What, Lord, do you want me to do with the circumstances before me?”

The 8 Principles have served as my roadmap for the last 14 years, allowing me to change my attitude. By doing this, by the grace of God, I have been able to live a fruitful and successful life in recovery. I believe and have seen with my own eyes that anyone who follows these principles, no matter their struggle, can live a successful life in recovery, too.

The definition of beatitude is simply a feeling or state of well-being and contentment. Some synonyms for beatitude are blessedness, bliss, joy, gladness, and happiness.

I believe this totally sums up the life we can experience if we choose to live as Jesus asked us to in one of his most famous sermons, the Sermon on the Mount. The goal of recovery is to realize that we can’t do it on our own power. Surrender is key.

The Beatitudes begin with admitting we are “spiritually poor” (Matthew 5:3 GNT). This allows us to realize and admit our powerlessness and be able to get rid of our self-righteousness and admit we need God.

Secondly, Jesus talked about “those who mourn” (Matthew 5:4 GNT). After we realize our powerlessness, it’s time to repent and admit we can do nothing without him.

The third verse in this passage talks about “the meek” (Matthew 5:5 NIV). Meekness means “strength under control,” which allows us to surrender to a power greater than ourselves: Jesus Christ.

I have always summed these three up as the acceptance steps. Accepting that:

I can’t.
He can.
I have to allow him to…

After we have accepted our powerlessness, it’s time to clean up our side of the street by doing the work of:

●     Doing what God requires (Matthew 5:6)
●     Showing mercy (Matthew 5:7)
●     Maintaining a pure heart (Matthew 5:8)
●     Becoming peacemakers (Matthew 5:9)

And because of our newfound hope and healing, we will want to share with others what has been generously given to us by giving it away (Matthew 5:10).

What are you struggling with? Are you miserable? Are you looking for success in your life?

Could the 8 Principles of Celebrate Recovery be the roadmap for the changes you are seeking?