Posts

Posted on

RECOVERY REFRAMED || Chasing the Rush: Gambling and Behavioral Addictions

The Recovery Reframed series looks at the deeper reasons behind why we run to certain behaviors when we’re hurting. Each month, we’ll explore a different struggle and how Christ can help us overcome it. New posts release on the first Friday of every month in 2026.

You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever. – Psalm 16:11

Some addictions come not through substances but through excitement, risk, or emotional escape.

This month, we gently explore behavioral addictions and how Christ offers joy that doesn’t fade.

The Allure of Excitement

The rush of risk or novelty can briefly make life feel meaningful or exciting.

But the high fades quickly, often leaving emptiness.

Hope, Loss, and Hidden Pain

The cycle of hope and loss can become addictive itself.

Many women stay stuck because shame keeps them silent.

Letting God into Powerlessness

Admitting powerlessness is not weakness—it is holy honesty.

God meets us with strength where we feel least capable.

Rediscovering Purpose and Joy

As God heals the deeper ache, we no longer need constant highs to feel alive.

He offers joy rooted in peace, not adrenaline.

You Don’t Have to Walk Alone

If today’s topic touched a tender place in your story, please know you don’t have to walk this road alone. Healing often grows deeper when we walk with others. A Christ-centered support community like Celebrate Recovery may be a helpful next step. They offer safe groups for women where you will find encouragement, accountability, and hope. Explore locations and resources at: celebraterecovery.com.

A Soft Closing Prayer

Lord, You know the thrill I chase and the emptiness that follows.

Help me to be honest about the habits that control me.

Meet me with Your strength and healing.

Teach me to find joy in Your presence, not in the rush. Amen.

Before you go, take a moment to breathe and receive this healing worship. “I Speak Jesus” by Charity Gayle is the theme song for this series — a simple, powerful declaration of hope, freedom, and the gentle presence of Christ over every wounded place in our lives.

Posted on

BOOK STUDY || The Answer to Anxiety by Joyce Meyer || Ch 7

On the fourth Friday of each month in 2026, we’re studying The Answer to Anxiety by Joyce Meyer. Join me as we learn practical. Scripture-based steps we can take when fear or worry try to take hold.

 

CHAPTER SEVEN — With Thanksgiving

“Appreciation can make a day—even change a life. Your willingness to put it into words is all that is necessary.”
— Margaret Cousins

INTRODUCTION

“Be thankful and say so.”
— Psalm 100:4

In Chapter Seven, Joyce Meyer teaches us about the power of living with thanksgiving. Gratitude is not based on circumstances—it is a choice we make regardless of what is happening in our lives. Joyce reminds us that what we focus on, and how often we complain, directly affects our ability to remain thankful.

When we intentionally express gratitude, we guard our hearts against entitlement and keep ourselves from taking God—and others—for granted.

“God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say thank you?”
— William Arthur Ward

ARE YOU FOCUSED ON YOUR BLESSINGS OR YOUR PROBLEMS?

“Do not worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks.”
— Philippians 4:6

What we focus on grows larger in our minds. Joyce shares a personal story about complaining to God about her husband—only to discover that when she listed what she appreciated, the good far outweighed the bad.

When we choose to focus on what is good:

    • our attitudes improve
    • our joy increases
    • our relationships become healthier
    • we become easier to live with

“The soul that gives thanks can find comfort in everything;
the soul that complains can find comfort in nothing.”
— Hannah Whitall Smith

GRATITUDE OR COMPLAINING?

“Do everything without complaining and arguing… shining like bright lights in a dark world.”
— Philippians 2:14–15

Complaining reveals a lack of appreciation. Joyce teaches that gratitude gives us spiritual strength, while complaining weakens us. We cannot defeat the enemy if we are constantly grumbling.

“Don’t complain about something you’re not willing to do something about.”
— Joyce Meyer

THE SACRIFICE OF PRAISE

“Let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God.”
— Hebrews 13:15

Thankfulness isn’t always easy—but that’s when it matters most. Sacrificial praise means thanking God even when we don’t feel like it. No matter our circumstances, God is still good, and we are more blessed than we often realize.

FIND THE GOOD IN EVERYTHING

“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” ~James 1:2–4

Those who look for good—even in hardship—grow stronger and more joyful. Difficult seasons stretch our faith and help shape us into who God wants us to be. Gratitude allows us to trust that God is working all things together for good.

CALL TO ACTION

This week, intentionally practice thanksgiving:

    • Write down three things you’re grateful for each day
    • Catch yourself when you complain—and replace it with thanks
    • Thank God out loud, even when it feels uncomfortable

See how gratitude begins to change your perspective.

CLOSING PRAYER

Lord, thank You for the many blessings in my life—both seen and unseen. Help me choose gratitude over complaining and praise over frustration. Teach me to trust You and give thanks in all things. Amen.