Michael W. Smith Credits Parents’ Prayers For Overcoming Substance Abuse

Published: October 2, 2023

Michael W. Smith Credits Parents’ Prayers For Overcoming Substance Abuse

By Movieguide® Contributor

Musician Michael W. Smith recently spoke about his struggles with substance abuse and how God saved him.

The singer shared a story about a time he “snorted something” at a party after a show. His nose started bleeding, and the musician said he thought he was going to die.

“It took me two days to recover, and I knew that was not my destiny,” Smith said, sharing his prayer to God: “I’m trapped. I’m in a pit and I can’t get out…God, do whatever you’ve got to do. I mean, car wreck, break my legs—just don’t kill me.”

Smith said the night everything changed came in November 1979.

“I ended up on my kitchen floor in East Nashville [having a] nervous breakdown,” he said. “I’m convinced it was the prayers of my mom and dad. They knew I was in trouble. They didn’t know the extent of all the stuff I was doing…but yeah, I got up…and it all changed.”

Smith has previously spoken about his battle with addiction, telling The Christian Times, “I lost my way, Still, to this day, I can’t believe I did that for four years and got deceived and almost died a couple of times.”

Today, Smith gives all credit for his career success to God.

“I never could have orchestrated any of this. God is faithful,” he said in an interview with The Christian Post. “The greatest peace that I have is I know who I am. I’m a son of the high King of the universe. My identity crisis is solved.”

Movieguide® previously reported on Smith’s feelings about the importance of worship music:

Grammy Award-winning artist Michael W. Smith recently joined Kirk Cameron on TBN to discuss the impact of worship music.

“I see worship music as playing a very vital role in the relationship of believers with God,” Smith told Cameron. “I’ve heard some people say things like, ‘You know if you’re gonna make movies you’ve got to make movies with this great story but don’t preach the gospel in the middle of the movie that’s not real movie making.’ And I’ve heard similar things with songs. People will say, ‘Well you know that worship music, that’s not really the same as a great crafted song and you’re giving these repetitive lyrics for people to say things to God.’ But I think it is a unique genre that is critical.”