I have been drunk MANY times before on purpose but this weekend was an accident. I don't have time or energy to debate the scriptures with any "super christians" on whether or not "saints" can have a lil' sip. My understanding of scripture and my conversation with God permit me to partake of an occasional strong drink with a clear conscience. I actually miss my home church that served the "real thing" during communion. However, the bible is VERY clear in Ephesians 5:18 when it says, "Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit." The only reason I violated this passage on Saturday was that I forgot to eat and my tolerance for alcohol consumption was severely decreased. I had no intention of getting drunk, but as I partook of my drink of choice for the evening (cranberry and vodka) the inevitable happened...

I quoted it earlier but the verse says that being drunk will lead to debauchery. (I'm a witness lol) As I focused my meditation time this morning on the entire chapter, I realized that it wasn't simply talking about wine. ANYTHING that you consume in excess will eventually consume you, causing you to be drunk, out of control, and terribly unproductive afterwards. Saturday, I was drunk with wine, but there were seasons in my life when I was drunk on other things which had similar adverse effects on my life. I've been drunk with sex, drunk with a relationship, drunk with success, and drunk with anger (that was my favorite drink). During those times in my life I was ALL OVER THE PLACE and out of control. I gave so much of myself over to my "drink of choice" until eventually I didn't even recognize myself or the people around me. I couldn't be productive because I was in a constant state of misery, feeling the effects of post consumption. Likewise, during those times I couldn't believe some of the things I said!

I just teared up because I honestly thought I'd always have a "hangover!" I just knew that the girl I hurt would always "hang over" my head what I had done to her. I believed the guilt of my sexual past would always "hang over" my wounded soul in an effort to keep me in bondage. I was convinced the near fatal pain of being cheated on would forever "hang over" my heart and prevent me from ever falling in love again. I feared that my many failures would continuously "hang over" my emotions and never allow me to pursue my goals or become a success at ANYTHING.

Well, I'm OVERJOYED to report that my negative "hangover" has ended! The writer of the Ephesians passage offered me an alternative when he said, "...instead, be filled (drunk) with the Spirit." The reality of being able to be inhabited by God's Spirit LITERALLY has changed my life. There aren't enough words in the English language (which is why I sometimes use a heavenly one) to describe to you the endless joy, peace, contentment, and wholeness I now possess. The external expression of the internal effects of what I'm drinking now can still make you think I'm a little wasted (Acts 2:14-16)! I still get a hangover, but this one I enjoy. "Hanging Over" my life now is love, forgiveness, success, and favor.

I ANTicipate getting EXTREMELY wasted this week as I drink of His Spirit! What's YOUR drink of choice?

P.S.
I KNOW God is in THIS post because I planned to go in a completely different direction with it. I feel like someone reading this one needs to stop drinking from the cup of hurt and disappointment. If you don't, soon you will become drunk with anger and resentment. You can NOT make sound decisions while you are drunk. The ONLY decision people are qualified to make when they are hurting is to reach out for help! If no one else is around to assist you, please know that God will be a VERY present help when you are in trouble. I am NOT telling you what I think, heard, or even believe. I KNOW it is true because I've called Him many times and He has saved me, helped me, and healed me. I was suicidal, depressed, angry, self-destructive, bitter, scared, HURT, etc... I'm over it ALL now because of Christ! You don't have to be wordy, just ask God for HELP!!! Don't let Him "rest" until you get what you need from Him! ANTicipate His response!