Many of us look to our faith for direction when faced with problems in life, and Dennis Quaid is no exception.

Every day, Quaid told People, ‘I’m grateful to be alive and to still be here.’ Because there are many

obstacles and difficulties in life, it’s crucial to truly appreciate the journey as much as you can.

The problems facing Quaid are not unusual.

After a promising start to his career, he eventually checked himself into rehab due to his difficulties with addiction.

‘I remember going home and having kind of a white light experience where I saw myself either dead or in jail or losing everything I had, and I didn’t want that.’

The 69-year-old singer and actor said how addicts seek for substances ‘to fill a hole inside us,’ but that after they break the cycle, they need to find something else to satisfy that need.

It was Quaid’s faith, after all.

He started reading the Bible and the Quran as well as writing a song for his mother ‘to let her know I was okay, because I wasn’t okay before that.’

He remembered, ‘That’s when I started building a personal relationship.’ ‘Up until then, despite having grown up as a Christian, I didn’t have one.’

Quaid still has a connection to his religion.

According to the actor, the songs on his upcoming album Fallen: A Gospel Record For Sinners are ‘self-reflective and self-examining, not churchy.’

No matter if you identify as a Christian or not, everyone has a relationship with God.

‘We’re all seeking happiness, and drugs, alcohol, and other vices can quickly provide that for you, no matter who you are.

Then they become enjoyable, enjoyable with troubles, and eventually just difficulties. In actuality,

the joy of life—which is our gift—and the connection to God that everyone of us has—is what we’re really searching for. The happiness of living lies at its core.