STOP NUMBING THE PAIN! FINDING PEACE......

                                    FROM PAIN TO PEACE        

                   STOP NUMBING THE PAIN! FINDING PEACE

John 16:33 " I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. in the world you will have tribulation. But take heart;I have overcome the world."

1 Peter 2:24 "He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. "

James 5:16 "Therefore,confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."

WHAT IS SELF MEDICATING/SELF HARM?
Self-medication/ self harm is human behavior in which an individual uses self-prescribed drugs or self soothing behaviors to treat psychological trauma. The psychology of such behavior within the specific context of using recreational drugs, psychoactive drugs, alcohol and other self-soothing forms of behavior to alleviate symptoms of stress, anxiety, depression related to psychological trauma of many forms (Benegal, 2010). Examples of self soothing behaivors are addictions in MANY forms and self harm/injury.

CHRISTIANS AND SELF MEDICATING/SELF HARM - ARE WE IMMUNE?

Self-harm and self medicating is a growing problem in our society and therefore is a reality we cannot afford to sweep under the carpet. Research by the British Psychological Foundation found that around 1% of the population self-harm with one in ten teenagers having self-harmed. It is not a problem that Christians are immune to. I researched and saw numerous websites with forums especially for Christians who self-harm/self medicating. Mental Health Foundation (2008)conducted a study and concluded‘Self-harm amoung young people is a serious public health challenge that everyone in contact with young people must rise to".

We can be sure that the Enemy wants us to stumble and will use whatever means necessary to do so. As Christians dealing with self medicating/self injury we are dealing with SPIRITUAL WARFARE. Jesus says in John 16:33, "These things I have spoken to you, that in me you might have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."


WHAT CAN WE DO IF WE KNOW SOMEONE STRUGGLING WITH THESE THINGS?
If you know someone who self medicates or self harms, have compassion (Ephesians 4:32). They are struggling and don't know how else to deal with their pain. It's not their "fault" or something they're doing to hurt you. God wants to heal them, and you can help. Galatians 6:2 says to "bear one another's burdens." How can you love your friend and show them that they matter to you and to God?



WHAT CAN WE DO IF WE ARE STRUGGING WITH SELF MEDICATING/SELF HARM?

While all addictions are hard to overcome, help and treatment are out there and available—recovery and freedom are possible. We believe that no matter what you're wrestling with—self injury, depression, drugs and alcohol, body image issues, sexual addiction, or other areas of brokenness through the power of the Holy Spirit.

ASSIGNMENT FOR TODAY:

If you are concerned about someone today that maybe into self harm or self medicating- pray that God can deliver them from this emotional pain. Pray to God that he can use you to help you be a support for them and pray that you will have an opportunity to help.

If you are concerned about yourself in these areas, the first step is confide in someone- christian friend, pastor, christian based counselor. Pray and ask God to lead you to someone you feel comfortable expressing absolutely everything to that is happening to you, past and present. With this person, focus on identifying the triggers and the feelings associated with the behavior. God can heal all things (1 Peter 2:24).

FATHER GOD - PLEASE HELP ME OVERCOME MY BATTLES WITH SELF MEDICATING/SELF HARMING. I KNOW THAT SATAN WILL USE THESE THINGS TO VEER ME OFF THE PATH THAT YOU WANT ME TO BE ON. PLEASE HELP ME TO TRUST SOMEONE ENOUGH TO BEGIN THE JOURNEY OF HEALING THROUGH YOU. ALSO, PLEASE HELP ME BE A VESSEL TO HELP COMFORT AND SUPPORT THE PROCESS OF HEALING FOR OTHERS STRUGGLING WITH THESE THINGS. GUIDE ME IN YOUR WILL. AMEN

　
The Holy Bible, New Century Version®. Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

Kirstin Murray (11/10/2010). "Distressed doctors pushed to the limit". Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

Dr Vivek Benegal (October 12, 2010). "Addicted to alcohol? Here's why". India Today.


Mental Health Foundation (2008)"Truth Hurts". Research study regarding self harm. The Kubrick Theme. Blog at WordPress.com