Scripture: Proverbs 31:6
Give strong drink to those who are perishing and wine to those whose hearts are bitter.
Thought for the Day: I don’t know why, but I’ve always liked this verse of scripture. According to these words, alcoholic beverages are for those who are in pain, both physical and emotional. There is no question that alcohol can dull what hurts, and in the time in which those words were written, alcohol was medicine for whatever might ail you. In today’s world, with all that we know about the unhealthiness of trying to dull the pain with alcohol, I don’t believe I can recommend the advice of the author. In fact, we too often reach for alcohol or drugs to mask the pain we are experiencing and never deal with the underlying cause. I’m not suggesting we should ignore the doctor and decline pain medication when it is necessary. But as people who believe God created us as whole creatures (the synthesis of mind, body and spirit), then we should acknowledge our need for a professional counselor or spiritual advisor to deal with the underlying cause of the pain we often seek to dull. At times, medication might be advantageous in our healing, but quite often it is only one tool toward wholeness… and other times, it keeps us from the real work.
Prayer: As I seek health and wholeness in my life, O God, I pray that you will venture with me as I face the root causes of emotional hurt. I wish to be whole. Amen.
A GREAT MORNING
TO BE TOGETHER
FOR WORSHIP
