When we’re caught in the weight of darkness, it’s easy to wonder if we’ll ever make it to the other side. But there is hope and freedom waiting, and God is there, ready to lead us. I’ve been there myself—burdened by addiction, convinced it would be my story forever. But by His grace, I learned that God could take my mess and turn it into something powerful. If you’re in a funk right now, let these steps—and these reflection points—be your guide to a higher level of life and freedom.
1. Acknowledge Where You Are—And Bring It to God
Admitting where you are, even if it’s a broken place, is a profound step. For years, I tried to numb the pain, running from the truth of my addiction. But when I finally laid it all out before God, my healing journey began. Psalm 34:18 tells us that “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.” Pour out your heart to Him, even the parts you’re not proud of. He’s listening, and He’s already reaching out to bring you back.
Reflection: What are you carrying right now that you need to lay at God’s feet? Write it down, and then pray over each burden, asking God to meet you in this place.
2. Find Your Purpose in the Pain
In the midst of addiction, I couldn’t see the purpose. It felt like endless darkness. But God used that season to reveal a calling I never knew was there—a calling to help others find freedom and purpose. Romans 8:28 reminds us that “in all things God works for the good of those who love him.” Maybe right now, you can’t see the purpose in your pain. But hold on. God is using this time to build something strong within you.
Reflection: What challenges have you faced that may be part of God’s bigger plan for you? How could these experiences help you relate to or encourage someone else in the future?
3. Change the Narrative in Your Mind
One of the hardest battles I faced was in my own mind. Addiction filled me with lies about who I was and what my worth was. I had to fight to replace those lies with God’s truth. Refuse to let fear and self-doubt define you. Speak Scriptures over yourself, like 2 Corinthians 5:17: “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” God’s truth can—and will—drown out those lies.
Reflection: What negative thoughts or lies do you tend to believe about yourself? Write them down, then counter each one with a truth from Scripture.
4. Take One Small Step Forward Every Day
Breaking free didn’t happen overnight. I had to take it one small step at a time. Some days were harder than others, but each small victory added up. In this season, don’t aim to conquer everything at once. Just take one small, intentional step each day. Even Zechariah 4:10 says, “Do not despise these small beginnings.” Each step forward is a step closer to freedom.
Reflection: What small step could you take today to move in a positive direction? It could be calling a friend, journaling, or spending five minutes in prayer. Set a specific intention and go for it.
5. Surround Yourself with Uplifting Community
During my journey, having others around me who believed in my potential and reminded me of God’s love was essential. Don’t try to go through dark times alone. We’re meant to share our burdens. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says, “Two are better than one… If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” Seek out friends or groups who will lift you up and remind you of God’s promises.
Reflection: Who in your life brings you encouragement and support? Reach out to someone today, even if it feels difficult. If you don’t have this support, pray for God to bring someone trustworthy into your life.
6. Serve Others, Even When It Feels Hard
At a certain point, I realized that if I wanted to heal, I needed to look beyond myself. Serving others was a turning point for me. Helping others who struggled with addiction gave me purpose. When you give of yourself, you start to fill up in ways you never thought possible. Acts 20:35 says, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Serving others is often the key to breaking free from a self-focused cycle.
Reflection: Is there a way you can serve someone else right now? It could be through volunteering, listening to a friend, or even just offering a word of encouragement. Take one action today that focuses on helping someone else.
7. Trust in God’s Timing and Hold on to Hope
Freedom doesn’t always come when or how we expect. My journey took time, and I had to learn to trust God’s timing. Hold on to hope, even if the light feels distant. Jeremiah 29:11 tells us, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Keep going, one day, one prayer, one step at a time. You’re not alone.
Reflection: What are you waiting on God for right now? Take a moment to surrender your timeline to Him, trusting that He will lead you in His perfect timing.
God can take even the darkest parts of our story and transform them into something beautiful. Reflect on these questions, and remember: You may be in the valley now, but there is hope, healing, and purpose on the other side. He’s brought me through, and He’ll bring you through, too.