I never truly learned how to cope with difficulties growing up, so I quickly turned to drugs and alcohol as a solution to experiencing negativity in my life. After 15 years of sobriety and walking with the Lord, I am by no means perfect at handling my emotions, but I have still learned and matured quite a bit. I am amazed at what the Lord has done for me in this regard.
As everyone discovers, no life is without difficulties. Why this is the case is the topic for a whole other blog, if not a series of books. While the world will offer us false solutions to our troubles like money, drugs, alcohol, or other sensual pleasures, all will fail to learn how to cope with difficulties. Not only will we fall into the danger of worshipping or heavily relying on these things, but they seem to take something from us that is not worth giving up if we depend upon them too much.
That is not to say that some things, like money and alcohol, are evil in themselves. I am only saying that the…