Many of us have been blessed with various addictions. Unfortunately, most see an addiction as a curse and while that can be true it does not always have to be.
As Christians, it should be a blessing to us because “we also exult (glory) in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; hope does not disappoint” (Romans 5:3-5) The one who perseveres is able to overcome the addiction because God has designed it that way!
So the purpose of this article is to help with our perseverance. I am not going to reveal any BIG secret about how to battle and overcome addictions, but I hope to lay out a couple steps based upon Scripture that will help us persevere and win the battle!
- “No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13)
‘I CAN overcome this temptation!’ This must be the fundamental thought of every battling addict. We can know with certainty that God does not give us anything that we can’t handle. It may look unbearable to us as humans, but He knows us better than we know ourselves–because He created us. He knows how the human body is designed. He knows how he human body is healed. He knows how our minds work. He alone knows what I can truly bear. And He guarantees me that if I am faced with a temptation I CAN overcome it! IF I look to Him as my way out.
- “TRUST in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5)
For us addicts, this is often difficult because we convince ourselves that we areindependent and if I got myself in this mess I can get myself out! But trust the Lord–it doesn’t work that way! We can only overcome when we put all of our trust and confidence in the Lord. When we place our trust in the Lord we humble ourselves before Him and He lifts us out of the doldrums of life! We have to realize we can’t do it alone.
- “I am exceedingly afflicted; Revive me, O Lord, according to your word” (Psalm 119:107)
As addicts, we are exceedingly afflicted! We crave, we shake, we can’t get the vice out our heads no matter how hard WE try. And David’s attitude ought to be a great prayer for us when we are afflicted: Lord revive me through your word!
The problem is that often times when we are most afflicted–God is rarely in our thoughts. Therefore, praying to the Father and opening His word is often out of the question.
But Solomon says, “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:6) God must be present in our lives at all times. And for Him to be present He must be real to us! He can’t be this fairy tale character. He must be revered as God Almighty! If we acknowledge Him as God Almighty we will turn to Him and His word for our way of escape.
- “But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night” (Psalm 1:2)
As addicts, we constantly have to fill our lives with some THING and for most addicts we fill our lives with the wrong THING! When we are battling our addictions we have to make the law of the Lord our delight! We have to read and study every opportunity we have. In fact, we have to make opportunities to study. We made time for our vices. Therefore, make time for God’s word.
How do we make the time? We completely eliminate the things we used to do. We start to live life completely different. Instead of watching a movie, read the Bible. Instead of listening to an album, listen to a sermon. Instead of playing a musical instrument, pray to God. Whatever it is that you want to do more than read and talk with the Lord–replace it! I didn’t realize that quick enough. I stumbled over that for several months.
It’s not natural for us to immediately make these changes, but we must make them. It’s even a good idea to start with an itinerary. If we force ourselves to get into the Word it will guide and change our lives!
And eventually it’s no longer an itinerary, but a set time to grow closer to God through His word. It is this type of man that “will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water….and in whatever he does, he prospers.” (Psalms 1:3)
~ by Wes Gossett