Joshua's Advice for Early Recovery

In the journey of recovery, wisdom from the past can provide invaluable guidance. The story of Joshua and his final words to the Israelites, as recorded in Joshua 23:1-16, offers profound insights for those seeking to overcome addiction and rebuild their lives. Let's explore Joshua's advice and see how it can transform our recovery journey.

Be Courageous

Joshua 23:6(a) says, "[So be very strong [courageous]];…"

Courage is essential in taking the first step of recovery. It takes courage to admit that our lives have become unmanageable. Courage is the choice and willingness to confront agony, pain, danger, uncertainty, or intimidation. It doesn't mean the absence of fear but the determination to keep moving forward despite it. When Joshua led the Israelites, he faced numerous battles and hardships. Yet, he stood firm, trusting God's promises. Similarly, in our recovery, we must be courageous, trusting that God is with us every step of the way.

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” ― Winston S. Churchill

The Serenity Prayer is a prayer that asks for the serenity to accept things that cannot be changed, the courage to change things that can be changed, and the wisdom to know the difference.

Be Careful to Follow Instructions

Joshua 23:6(b) instructs us to "be careful to follow everything Moses wrote in the Book of Instruction. Do not deviate from it, turning either to the right or to the left."

In recovery, following the right path is crucial. Whether it’s the guidance of a mentor, a recovery program, or God's Word, adhering to these instructions can keep us on track. Follow the instructions of those who have traveled the path before you and made it to the other side. Those who have gained the knowledge and experience to help you get to where you want to be.

Be warned: If you desire the success that others have achieved, you must be prepared to courageously follow the instructions and path they took to get there. We must be diligent in following the guidance provided to us in our journey to recovery. Don’t waste your time and the time of those helping you by deviating from their guidance by following your own way of thinking. Be courageous in following through. Don’t abandon those instructions!

Be Careful Who You Surround Yourself With

Joshua 23:7 warns, "Make sure you do not associate with the other people still remaining in the land. Do not even mention the names of their gods, much less swear by them or serve them or worship them."

Our environment and the people we associate with can significantly influence our recovery. As we enter this new land of recovery and life, we must be cautious about who we allow into our lives. Surround yourself with those who support your recovery, who encourage you to stay on the right path, hold you accountable to that path, and who uplift you in times of difficulty.

“So don’t go to war without wise guidance; victory depends on having many advisers.” (Proverbs 24:6)

“Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.” (Proverbs 13:20)

Show me your friends and I’ll show you your future! Be strong and courageous in seeking out help and following their guidance.

Be Faithful to Your Why

Joshua 23:8 says, "Rather, cling tightly to the Lord your God as you have done until now."

In recovery, it's crucial to remember why you started this journey. What is your "why"? Is it to restore your health, or rebuild relationships? When challenges arise, and they will, your "why" will keep you grounded and focused. Stay true to your motivation and purpose for recovery.

As we move through this process of recovery, learn to be faithful to Jesus - cling to Him, hold tightly to Him, be loyal to Him.

Put to Flight Anything Holding You Back

Joshua 23:9-11 reminds us, "For the LORD has driven out great and powerful nations for you, and no one has yet been able to defeat you. 10 Each one of you will put to flight a thousand of the enemy, for the LORD your God fights for you, just as he has promised. 11 So be very careful to love the LORD your God."

Knowing that God fights for you can give you the strength to persevere. Put to flight anything that threatens your recovery. This might be negative thinking, toxic relationships, people-pleasing, or lust.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.” (Hebrews 12:1)

Beware of the Snares and Traps that can Derail Your Progress

Joshua 23:12-13 warns, "But if you turn away from him and cling to the customs of the survivors of these nations remaining among you, and if you intermarry with them, then know for certain that the Lord your God will no longer drive them out of your land. Instead, they will be a snare and a trap to you, a whip for your backs and thorny brambles in your eyes, and you will vanish from this good land the Lord your God has given you."

Snare - In the Bible, a snare is a figurative expression of destruction through deception. The snare itself does not destroy, but it leads to destruction. Snares are typically hidden or deceptive elements that catch you unexpectedly. They are often subtle, ingrained behaviors or thought patterns that you might not immediately recognize as harmful. Snares can slowly tighten and become more difficult to escape from as time goes on.

Snares can include:

Guilt and Shame: Deep-seated feelings that slowly erode self-esteem.

Fear and Anxiety: Gradual build-up of worries that inhibit action.

Anger and Resentment: Slowly accumulating bitterness that affects relationships.

Regrets: Living in the past.

Procrastination: Delaying necessary actions or decisions.

Trap - something that prevents escape; a dangerous or unpleasant situation which you have got into and from which it is difficult or impossible to escape. Traps are usually more overt and intentional, designed to catch or deceive. They are often more obvious situations or choices that you can potentially see coming but still might fall into. Traps can be immediate and often have a sudden impact, leading to a quick realization of being stuck.

Traps can include:

Denial: Refusing to acknowledge immediate problems or emotions.

Toxic Relationships: Entering or staying in harmful relationships that are clearly damaging.

Impulsive Decisions: Acting on spur-of-the-moment feelings without considering consequences.

“A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies [schemes] of the devil. 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:10-12)

As we reflect on Joshua's final words to the Israelites, let us take his advice to heart in our own recovery journeys. Be courageous, follow the instructions of those ahead of us, surround yourself with supportive people, stay faithful to your "why," and diligently put to flight anything that holds you back. Beware of the snares and traps that can derail your progress. Remember, God is with you, fighting for you, and guiding you every step of the way. May we all cling tightly to Him and find the strength and courage to continue on the path to recovery.