Feasting on Fulfillment
It's a rare occurrence for someone to boldly walk into the offices of Unbound Grace and declare, “I’m an addict.” Why? Because it’s not easy to set a counseling appointment, especially when it’s intended to address a hidden shame. Often, a person walks in, their eyes a mix of apprehension, a little defensiveness, and sometimes a touch of hope. Once they begin to lower their guard, they pause, then softly acknowledge, 'I think I might be ______ a bit too much.' This moment, though simple, marks the beginning of a profound journey—a journey that reveals a universal truth: we all, in one way or another, face battles with addiction.
We hear these understated admissions almost weekly—people nudged by concerned spouses, seeking a ‘tune-up’ for their habits. This is not just about alcohol or drugs; it's about our human propensity to form attachments, sometimes harmful ones, in our quest for fulfillment.
Addiction extends beyond the grasp of alcohol, pornography, or substances—it’s a symptom of our unmet needs for connection and fulfillment. If we are honest with ourselves, we can all relate to this. When we feel isolated, disconnected, or unfulfilled, we often soothe ourselves with misguided means of comfort.
How could this happen? Each of us carries a deep spiritual hunger, a yearning for connection and wholeness. However, we often misinterpret the path to satisfying this hunger. We cling to habits, relationships, or mindsets, mistakenly believing they will fulfill us. In truth, these attachments often lead us further into isolation, creating barriers around ourselves. For some, it’s alcohol; for others, it is their phone, money, appearance, or the latest ______. You get the picture.
Here's the irony: Our brains are wired to seek connections, but this instinct can mislead us into substituting meaningful relationships with addictive behaviors. This false refuge can intensify feelings of shame or loneliness, ironically leaving us more isolated.
Understanding the True Nature of Our Struggles: Our journey at Unbound Grace isn't about judgment; it's about recognizing our shared human experience in seeking fulfillment. This understanding is the first step in dismantling the walls we've constructed around ourselves. This leads to a pivotal question that the prophet Isaiah answered a long, long time ago.
Should we just try harder or do better?
Isaiah 30:15-18 (The Message, emphasis added)
“Your salvation requires you to turn back to me
and stop your silly efforts to save yourselves.
Your strength will come from settling down
in complete dependence on me—
The very thing
you’ve been unwilling to do.
You’ve said, ‘No way! We’ll rush off on horseback!’
You’ll rush off, all right! Just not far enough!
You’ve said, ‘We’ll ride off on fast horses!’
Do you think your pursuers ride old nags?
Think again: A thousand of you will scatter before one attacker.
Before a mere five you’ll all run off.
There’ll be nothing left of you—
a flagpole on a hill with no flag,
a signpost on a roadside with the sign torn off.”
18 But God’s not finished. He’s waiting around to be gracious to you.
He’s gathering strength to show mercy to you.
God takes the time to do everything right—everything.
“Blessed are those who wait for him.” (the last phrase is from the ESV)
In our work at Unbound Grace, we focus on nurturing authentic connections and discovering fulfilling ways to satisfy our deepest needs. Through counseling, group support, and discipleship matching, we guide individuals toward recognizing and addressing the root causes of their addiction.
If you resonate with these words, remember, that you're not alone in this journey. Addiction is a universal struggle, and it's okay to seek help. We invite you to reflect on your life and, if you feel ready, reach out for support. Unbound Grace is more than a recovery ministry; it's a community where healing and transformation begin.
True freedom is found not in escaping our struggles, but in embracing the transformative power of Christ's love and grace. In Christ, we find the ultimate fulfillment and a love that heals and renews.
We invite you to join us at Unbound Grace, not only as someone seeking recovery but as a valuable partner in this ministry. Your support, whether through prayer, donations, or advocacy, is a testament to the shared pursuit of a life unbound by addiction through God's grace.
