The rock bottom of addictions

Addictions usually take you further than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay, and cost you more than you want to spend. I’ve seen so many lives devastated by gambling, alcohol, prescription drug, cocaine, and crack addictions. I’ve seen the homeless addict with no teeth and the prostitute with matted hair lying in the street. My wife has helped save many addicts’ lives by doing interventions and arranging for many individuals to go to rehab clinics. 

There is a term we use to describe the effects of addiction on an addict and his/her family: they’ve hit “rock bottom.” Rock bottom is different for everyone battling bondages. Some will lose homes or jobs. Others will lose their lives. Rock bottom is the worst. It’s sheer misery and humiliation. When someone hits rock bottom, there is a powerful prayer that can shift the tide: “Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your unfailing love; according to Your great compassion blot out my transgressions.” (Psalms 51:1, NIV)

King David knew about rock bottom. He slept with another man’s wife, had the husband dispatched to the battle’s front lines, and left him to die. King David’s lust and sex drive caused him to break almost every rule of God. He lost his first baby conceived with Bathsheba, his health, and his peace. His son, Absolom, turned against him. Rock bottom was very bad for David and his kingdom. Sin usually has many casualties.

Do you need God to rescue you?

David cried out for mercy and received it. He then proclaimed, “If I ascend to heaven, You are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there.” (Psalms 139:8, NASB) God loves you just as much as He loved David. If you cry out for mercy, He’ll hear you and respond with mercy. The nation of Israel would often cry out, “Hosanna,” which means, “Lord, save us.” You can also cry, “Hosanna.” Our amazing, merciful God will save and deliver you because you are a miracle.