Discerning Truth in Recovery

"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves."

— Matthew 7:15

DEVO

When you’re in recovery, your heart is open. You’re seeking answers, craving healing, wanting love, and looking for people who understand. That openness is beautiful—but it’s also dangerous if you’re not discerning. Always pray daily for God's wisdom, understanding, and discernment.

Jesus warned us that not all who appear spiritual are safe. Some wear the disguise of sheep—gentle, kind, understanding—while inwardly they are wolves, using your vulnerability for their gain.

In the recovery world, these wolves can be manipulative spiritual leaders, false teachers, seductive philosophies, or even seemingly helpful friends who guide you away from Christ-centered truth. They might use Scripture twisted out of context, offer “quick fixes,” use a modern Bible translation that adds to or takes away from actual Scripture, or preach a prosperity gospel of self instead of submission and surrender. In your vulnerable state, their words can seem comforting—but they are poison dressed as peace.

That’s why staying rooted in God's Word is your guardrail. The more you know His voice, the less likely you’ll fall for a counterfeit. Test everything. Ask the Spirit for discernment. Stay accountable to mature, trustworthy believers. Recovery is not just about avoiding old destructive habits—it’s about avoiding new spiritual traps.

Jesus is the Good Shepherd, and His sheep know His voice. Learn to hear it clearly. Let His Word be the filter for every voice that comes your way.

SCRIPTURES FOR MEDITATION:

• 2 Corinthians 11:13–14 – “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ… Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.”

• 1 John 4:1 – “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God…”

• John 10:27 – “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.”

• Proverbs 14:12 – “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.”

TODAY'S GOAL:

Ask the Lord to sharpen your spiritual discernment. Make a renewed commitment to test all teachings, ideas, and influences by the Word of God.

FOR INTROSPECTION & JOURNALING:

1. When have I ever been misled spiritually because I didn’t test what I was hearing?

2. What are some red flags I’ve noticed in people or teachings that sounded good but didn’t align with Scripture?

3. Am I regularly in God’s Word so I can recognize His voice clearly?

4. Who are my spiritual accountability partners?

5. How can I stay both open to help and guarded in truth?

Prayer:

Abba Father... I need Your wisdom and understanding. In this tender season of recovery, help me stay alert. Don’t let me fall for the voices that lead me away from You. Teach me to know Your voice more deeply. Place godly, discerning people around me, and protect me from those who would exploit my vulnerability and finances. Guard my mind, heart, and spirit, and keep me rooted in truth. In Jesus’ name, amen.