Joel M Bradshaw

20If we had forgotten the name of our God or spread out our hands to a foreign god, 21would not God discover this? For he knows the secrets of the heart.–Psalm 44

I used to be an addict and I would hide my addiction from others. I had excuses and rationalizations for my sin, but I was a functional hypocrite. Change would only occur when I faced myself, was honest with others about my situation, owned what I could own, and started living with intentionality. And that involved stopping certain things and starting others as overseen by an accountability relationship. I also started attending Celebrate Recovery and started working the steps.

Today’s verses are not enjoyable for the hider. God knows our secrets. He hears our thoughts, understands our emotions, and knows our desires. He even completely sees through to the core of our motivations. There is no hiding from God. Here are the steps of hope for the hider to stop hiding.

1. AGREE WITH GOD BIBLICALLY ABOUT YOUR ISSUE.
2. DESIRE TO CHANGE AND COMMUNICATE THAT TO GOD.
3. BRING A TRUSTED MAN (FOR THE MEN) OR WOMAN (FOR THE WOMEN) AS AN ACCOUNTABILITY PARTNER INTO YOUR JOURNEY. GIVE THEM PERMISSION TO SPEAK BLUNTLY WHEN NEEDED.
4. WITH THEIR BIBLICAL GUIDANCE, SUBMIT TO THE PROCESS OF THINGS STOPPING AND OTHER THINGS INSTEAD STARTING.
5. STAY HONEST AND DON’T GIVE UP. THIS IS THE PROCESS OF TURNING FROM YOURSELF AS GOD AND TURNING TO JESUS. REMEMBER, THE SELFISH SELF DOESN’T LIKE BEING REPLACED!–JMB