Jesus Slams the Door Shut on Relapse

“Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.”

John 8:36

DEVO:

In many recovery circles, be it secular or non-secular, relapse is treated as inevitable—almost expected. But the Word of God offers a better way. Jesus doesn’t do a partial healing. He doesn’t promise temporary relief. He gives lasting freedom. I challenge you to find any healing in Scripture that was temporary!

True biblical recovery isn’t about managing cravings or staying clean one day at a time. It’s about becoming someone completely new. “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

When you truly surrender and submit to Jesus, you're not just asking for help—you’re laying down your life and receiving His. That’s the moment everything changes. You're not an addict trying to behave better. You’re a redeemed child of God learning to walk in your new identity.

But this isn’t done by willpower. It's done by the Holy Spirit living inside you. Galatians 5:16 says, “Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” He becomes your strength, your guide, your comforter. He’ll convict you when you start to drift and empower you to stay steady. That’s how relapse becomes unnecessary—not because you’re strong, but because He is with you.

Real repentance is part of this too. It means more than saying sorry. It means burning the bridges to your old life and choosing never to go back. You don't keep the door cracked open for your past—you slam it shut and hand God the key.

Scripture also tells us to renew our minds daily. Why? Because the war is often in your thoughts. Romans 12:2 tells us not to be conformed to the world, but transformed by the renewing of our minds. When God rewrites your thoughts with His truth, the lies that used to trap you lose every ounce of their power.

Finally, biblical recovery includes a godly community. You’re not meant to walk alone. The Body of Christ, along with your recovery coach, provide protection, correction, and support. Real accountability stops relapse way before it has a chance to start.

When Christ sets you free, you’re free indeed—not for a week, a year, or until the next crisis—but forever. That’s the promise. That’s the power of Jesus Christ and biblical recovery.

SCRIPTURES FOR MEDITATION:

2 Corinthians 5:17 – “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation…”

Proverbs 28:13 – “He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.”

Galatians 5:16 – “Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.”

Romans 12:2 – “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”

Psalm 40:2 – “He also brought me up out of a horrible pit… and set my feet upon a rock…”

James 5:16 – “Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed.”

TODAY'S GOAL:

Walk as a new creation today. Burn the bridges to the past. Remind yourself: relapse is not your destiny—freedom is. Choose the Holy Spirit over the flesh in every decision, and lean fully on Christ’s strength.

JOURNALING & INTROSPECTION:

1. What parts of the old me am I still holding onto rather than surrendering them to Jesus?

2. In what ways am I walking in the Spirit instead of relying on my own strength?

3. What lies from my past still try to tempt or define me?

4. How can I build better accountability or strengthen my community of faith?

5. What would it look and feel like to truly know that I am free forever?

Prayer:

Abba Father, I thank You that You don’t do halfway healing. You don’t rescue me just to let me fall again. You set me free completely—and You keep me free. I want to walk in Your Spirit, renew my mind with Your truth, and close every door to my past. Remind me daily that I am a new creation in Jesus. Give me the strength to walk in that truth and the courage to stay in fellowship of believers who believe the same way. I refuse to go back. I belong to You now, forever. In Jesus Holy Name, amen.