We must also address the stigma surrounding addiction within so many churches.

When we cry to the Lord in our trouble, he will send us a preacher with words that deliver us from destruction.

Only God's Word of Gospel can permanently help and heal the addicted.

There is true help in the midst of our pain. Someone who suffered as we suffer, who embraced all our pain in his suffering and death on a cross.

I’m a drug addict. Specifically, a recovering drug addict. More specific, a grateful recovering drug addict.

“Why now,” I said to no one, or to myself, or to God. Whoever. I was drunk, strung out, mostly dead, hopeless in the darkness. I knew I’d done it all to myself. I didn’t need God to drive the point home.

But I remember that that’s how it ended. Words. Wine. Blood. A sudden halt to the conversation.