At the start of 2024, God gave me a word for my year: Recovery. I was delighted because it spoke to the hope of getting over and moving forward from 2022 and 2023, which, quite frankly, were tough. I assumed that the difficult times were finally over and that our family would slowly recover and move on from the life storms that had knocked me down. Little did I know that within days, I would be in the hospital for cancer investigations, and two of the people I loved most would be fighting for their own lives.

The recovery I envisioned — the absence of life difficulties — didn’t happen. Instead, I found myself in tears and despair. Friends and family have supported us as we’ve navigated a battle that no family should ever face. My kids have learned how to implement boundaries to protect their hearts and minds, and my husband, just like Jesus, has been a rock and a safe place to rest our hurting hearts. Unfortunately, I also found that the recovery I expected and hoped for was not God’s plan. 

You see, recovery isn’t complete healing or simply moving on from the past; it’s a process of change that helps people improve their health and wellness, resting in faith even when there are setbacks, and it’s pressing on for an individual’s full potential even though they may be battling addiction, sickness, financial problems, relationship issues, etc.

Godly recovery is giving your hand to Jesus, walking with Him, and trusting He will make a way through the valleys and out of the deep, dark pits.

So, how do we start the road to recovery?

1. Clinical treatment––Over my years as a nurse, some patients have confided they’ve been advised just to pray more rather than pursue antidepressants, chemotherapy, or whatever treatment has been recommended. I always respond, “Why does it have to be one of the other? Why can’t it be both? Prayer works, and medications work.” Sometimes, I’ve also gently reminded my patients that Luke, one of Jesus’ disciples, was a physician, and I’m pretty confident he didn’t only use prayer to treat his patients.
2. Faith––Our faith can struggle in these difficult times as we navigate uncertain paths. We wonder why us? It’s hard to remember as we experience fear, suffering, and pain that God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Our circumstances don’t change that. I’ve found that in my most challenging moments when tears are streaming down my cheeks, and I’m crying out, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” I pick up the bible and remind myself of God’s promise. For example, Jeremiah 30:17 CSB 

But I will bring you health

and will heal you of your wounds—

this is the Lord’s declaration—

for they call you Outcast,

Zion whom no one cares about.

1. Peer Support—This isn’t the support you receive from friends, although peers may become friends. Peer support is a safe, nonjudgmental place to get help, guidance, and encouragement as you navigate your life difficulties. There are peer support groups for whatever issue you are facing: substance abuse, cancer, diabetes, gambling, mental health, incarcerated loved ones, divorce, etc. These groups exist because research consistently shows they help people gain hope and improve the health and wellness of those who attend.
2. Self-care is often the first thing to disappear when life gets challenging. How do you look after yourself? Do you walk, hike, read, have game nights, massage, enjoy a nap, pray, and eat nutritious meals? Jesus’ self-care was to disappear for some alone time in the hills or to have dinner with his friends. Self-care is a daily decision and keeps us focused on today rather than worrying about tomorrow.

Maybe you’re like me and just starting on the road to recovery. Or perhaps you’ve been trudging it for a while. But what I want you to know is that you aren’t alone. There is always hope for those of us who stretch out our hand and place it in the firm grip of the one who guides us: Jesus. He will not let go. When we fall or slip, he’s there to steady us. He is there to help us stand, and He is there to guide us as we recover from life storms.

A love letter from God …

Dear lovely one,

I am recovery. I am the giver of health and the one who heals. The world may have labeled you with words such as a cancer patient, diabetic, gambler, addict, poor decision maker, bankrupt, divorcee, or mentally ill. But I see beyond the labels. I see you, and I love you, every part of you. You are the reason my son agreed to die on that cross. So take hope; you are not your diagnosis. You are my child, and I am your recovery.

I see you, my beloved; I love you.

And, I am with you always.

Love, God