Scripture: Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Hebrews 4:17
Lesson: Denial can rear its ugly head and return at any time! You may trade addictions, begin new compulsive behaviors, or be on the road to relapse without even knowing it. By removing your mask of denial, you can take your recovery to the next level. Even if you feel that you haven’t actively stepped back into denial, it is something you must be on guard against.
D: Disrupts our progress in our recoveries
Hiding our feelings and returning to denial freezes our recovery and binds our progress.
E: Enables old hurts, habits, and hang-ups to return
It is only in the present that positive change can occur. When old hurts, habits, and hang-ups return, we are not able to live and enjoy the life God has for us in the present. Lost Anxiety causes us to waste precious energy running from our past and worrying about and dreading the future.
N: Negatively affects the repair work we have done on our relationships
We can start to isolate from those that are close to us. This can destroy the trust and fellowship we have been given.
I: Interrupts our daily walk with God
The further we are into our denial, the harder it is for us to remain close to God. God’s light shines on the truth.
A: Allows risk of possible relapse
The further away we get from God and others, the more likely the chances are that we will relapse.
L: Loss of valuable time
The longer we keep our denial hidden, the more time we are wasting that could be spent on continuing to grow.Denial doesn’t protect us from our pain; it allows our pain to grow and turn into shame and guilt.
Application:
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” Romans 3:23 NIV Whether you are a recovering addict or a lifelong churchgoer, this verse applies to all of us. We all fall short of the glory of God every day. If we refuse to humble ourselves and admit we are sinners, we will miss out on the amazing fruits of the Spirit. When we come before our Lord and Savior like little children and confess our sins and our need for his salvation, that is when our new life will begin. Holding on to pride and denial is what the enemy wants us to do. Coming to the Lord humbly and with humility, he will bring you in with open, loving arms and set you back firmly on a solid foundation, which is Jesus Christ our Lord.