Recovery Reflections

by Melissa Gissy Witherspoon

Spiritual Blessings

Eleven years ago, I set out on a journey of recovery from substance use disorder, better known as addiction. The truth is, that was not my first time trying to recover. Several previous attempts to get sober had resulted in relapse— eventually landing me at a rock bottom I almost didn’t bounce back from. But God… He met me at my lowest point and placed me on a path of recovery. This time would be different. This time, I was willing to go to any length to find freedom from years of pain and suffering. By working a 12-step program, I found acceptance that God was my saving grace.

In the beginning, I searched for material rewards as markers of success and progress. I had built a life with that mentality, so it only came naturally. But along the way, as I continued building a relationship with God, I started recognizing the beautiful spiritual gifts He was granting me. My heart began to change, and so did my ideas of what was important, giving me a new lease on life. While material success can provide temporary satisfaction, it does not offer the lasting peace and fulfillment that comes from spiritual blessings. True healing and recovery are rooted in the soul, where spiritual transformation takes precedence over outward gains.

Spiritual blessings such as humility, peace, and hope are far more valuable than any material possession. These gifts are not dependent on external circumstances; they are deeply personal and eternal. Recovery is not simply about achieving external milestones but about nurturing an inner transformation that brings true freedom from addiction.

The Blessing Of Humility

Humility keeps us grounded, reminding us that recovery is not a journey we undertake alone. Being humble is a daily surrender, an acknowledgment that we need God’s grace and the support of others to walk the path of healing. Humility strips away the ego and the desire for material validation, allowing us to focus on the true purpose of recovery: becoming whole in mind, body, and spirit. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves (Philippians 2:3 NIV).

The Blessing of God's Grace

The mistakes of the past can feel like heavy chains, making it difficult to move forward. But the Bible reminds us that Jesus came to set us free from those chains. His birth marked the beginning of a story of redemption—a story that tells us that no matter what we have done, God’s grace is enough. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God not by works, so that no one can boast (Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV). God’s grace covers every mistake, every relapse, every moment of weakness. It’s a gift we often don’t feel we deserve but are given freely—a gift that has the power to heal and restore.

The Blessing Of Peace

God’s peace transcends all understanding and brings comfort, especially in times of struggle. The peace of God is not simply the absence of conflict or stress; it is a deep, abiding sense of well-being that comes from trusting Him completely. This peace anchors us in the storm, reminding us that no matter what challenges we face in recovery, we are never alone. God’s peace reassures us that we are guided and protected on our journey. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7 NIV).

The Blessing Of Hope

Addiction robs us of hope, making the future seem bleak and full of despair. But with God, there is always hope that things can change, that healing is possible, and that our Heavenly Father has a plan for us, even when we can’t see it. Hope gives us the strength to keep going, even when the road to recovery is long and difficult. It reminds us that no matter how many times we may fall, God is always with us to help us begin again. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13 NIV).

GOD IS WORKING IN YOU! KEEP GOING!

Seeking spiritual blessings over material rewards helps us stay focused on what truly matters—our relationship with God, our personal growth, and our connection to others. Recovery is more than just overcoming addiction; it’s stepping into a completely new life, one filled with hope, purpose, and the opportunity for transformation. Through God’s grace, we are given the chance to leave behind the weight of our past and embrace the fresh start He offers. God doesn’t just patch up the broken pieces—we each become a new creation with a new identity rooted in His love and grace. His blessings offer freedom from the cycle of addiction that once controlled us. May the spiritual gifts that God so graciously gives us be with you in abundance every step of your recovery path, one day at a time.

For information on mental health issues or substance use disorder, visit the national website for Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) at https://www.samhsa.gov/ or call the national hotline at 1-800-662-HELP.

Melissa is Founder/CEO of the non-profit Sober-Now, a motivational speaker, recovery advocate, social media influencer, best-selling 4X award-winning author of I’m Sober…So Now What? A Journey of Hope and Healing, contributing author of the international best-seller Miracle Mindset, and a contributing author of the best-seller Hope Alive. To stay in touch with her, visit Linktr.ee/sobernow or email her at Melissa@Sober-Now.com.