A Lost Cause?

Today’s proverb is a long description of the crazy, out-of-control world of drinking and drugs. If someone you love is living this life, this scene is all too familiar.

Who has anguish? Who has sorrow?Who is always fighting? Who is always complaining?Who has unnecessary bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes?It is the one who spends long hours in the taverns,trying out new drinks.Don’t gaze at the wine . . .how it sparkles in the cup, how smoothly it goes down.For in the end it bites like a poisonous snake. . . .You will see hallucinations,and you will say crazy things.You will stagger like a sailor tossed at sea. . . .And you will say, “They hit me, but I didn’t feel it.I didn’t even know it when they beat me up.When will I wake upso I can look for another drink?”

Proverbs 23:29-35

A lost-cause drunk is the picture of hopelessness. Except for the grace of God no one can return from this ruinous pit. But there is the grace of God! And his grace still works miracles. By the miracle of redemption some very unlikely people have been completely, radically, and supernaturally changed. Oswald Chambers said, “There is nothing miraculous or mysterious about the things we can explain.” Many alcoholics have tried to pull themselves up by their own self-will, their desperate desire to change, or in response to the pleading of their family or friends. It’s not enough. When we come to the end of ourselves, God responds, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Make It Personal . . . Live It Out!

What can you do when you see someone’s life going down the drain? Fear, anger, and despair are natural but not helpful. Psalm 43:5 puts words to your feelings, and then lifts you to hope in the Savior, who is mighty to save.

“Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again—my Savior and my God!”

One Year Bible Reading

Isaiah 41:17–43:13; Ephesians 2:1-22; Psalm 67:1-7; Proverbs 23:29-35