A DRINK CALLED JOY

Sometimes the most obvious is right in front of our eyes and we miss it. For me it is having to do with the “supernatural answer to addiction.” I’ve been working with drug addicts and alcoholics for over 60 years but I missed the best and clear remedy for someone to find freedom from addictions of all kinds. What is it?

Joy!

A drink called Joy!

The Apostle Peter refers to the believer’s experience of salvation that enable him, or her, to “rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.” (I Peter 1:8) I have heard hundreds of transformed addicts share of this joy in which they would speak of it and at times they seemed to search for words to describe their new life in what might be said “unspeakable” words.

I begin this joy ride through the Word and by the Spirit by comparing natural joy with supernatural joy.

The Bible uses natural things to illustrate and compare with spiritual things: seeds of truth, trees that worship, water representing life, sheep for believers, pasture for where and how the Lord feeds and grazes His sheep. Strangely enough there are comparisons between unnatural and excessive practices and spiritual practices such as drinking wine in “excess” being condemned; yet this is compared to being “filled with the Spirit.” Ephesians 5:18 Paul writes: “And do not be drunk with wine wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit.” (KJV)

 I use the infilling of the Spirit as the answer and remedy for the use, abuse and addiction to drugs. I was going to title this  A DRUG CALLED JOY but felt it would take too much explaining of that title. In the work and ministry I have been involved in for years “drink” in that culture is not about drinking water or other beverages it is about what Paul was indirectly referring to in regards to drinking wine, not in moderation, but for many it is part of their lifestyle and they become addicted to it.

I love Paul’s contrast between ‘spirits’ in a bottle or drink and the being filled with the Spirit of the living God. The answer to being imbibed with strong drink and drugs of various kinds is to drink in of the Spirit of God. 

This is the best answer to drug addiction and alcoholism, and may be for some the only answer. As I make my case for THE SUPERNATURAL ANSWER TO ADDICTION,  

Can I get a witness on that?

Can I get an amen on this?

Maybe instead I should say, “Cheers—I’ll drink to that.”

When a group of people sit around a dinner table where wine is served someone may lift a glass, followed by the host saying “cheers.” Faces will be all smiles. The fellowship is usually good especially enhanced by the adult beverage. And there will be one more thing as a result---joy. Natural joy. Of course it is artificial but it’s only temporary and those having a toast may call it joy but it’s far from true joy known by believers in Christ.

When you add the word “super” to “natural” what is the result? An experience in the “Supernatural.”

Read more in my book titled, "A Drink Called Joy."

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