Why are some addictions so persistent in our lives, even when we strive to follow Christ? Are there any weapons that God has given us to overcome persistent addictions and bad habits?
Whether it’s watching TV excessively, drinking, drugs, porn, food, sports, or alcohol, addictions can linger in our lives, clinging like a stubborn stain, even when we have committed ourselves to following Christ. It’s a frustrating and disheartening reality that many of us face. However, it’s important to remember that God has equipped us with a formidable arsenal to combat these persistent issues.
First and foremost, we must recognize the power of prayer. Prayer is a direct line to God, a means of communication that allows us to express our deepest thoughts, fears, and desires. When we are battling an addiction, it’s crucial to maintain a consistent prayer life. We should pray for strength, guidance, and the willpower to overcome our addiction. Furthermore, we should pray for forgiveness and healing, as our addiction may have caused pain and suffering to both ourselves and those around us.
Consider the story of the persistent widow in Luke 18:1-8. The widow continually approached the unjust judge, pleading for justice. Eventually, the judge granted her request, simply to be rid of her persistent presence. Similarly, when we approach God with our persistent addiction, He hears our cries and is moved by our determination. He desires for us to live a life free from the chains of addiction, and He will provide the means for us to achieve that freedom.
Additionally, Scripture can serve as a powerful weapon against addiction. The Bible is filled with wisdom, guidance, and promises that can help us navigate the difficulties of life. By immersing ourselves in Scripture, we can fill our minds with truth and displace the lies that addiction often perpetuates.
Consider the verse from 2 Corinthians 10:5, which states, “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” When we meditate on Scripture, we can take our thoughts captive and make them obedient to Christ, thereby weakening the grip of addiction.
Lastly, community is an essential component in overcoming addiction. Surrounding ourselves with a supportive community of believers can provide us with the encouragement, accountability, and strength we need to conquer our addiction. As stated in Galatians 6:2, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” By sharing our burdens with our fellow believers, we can lighten the load and find the support we need to overcome our addiction.
It is my observation that while addictions can be persistent and relentless, God has given us powerful weapons to fight back. Prayer, Scripture, and community can serve as a formidable arsenal, empowering us to break free from the chains of addiction. It’s important to remember that our battle against addiction is not a solitary one; rather, it’s a battle fought with the power and support of God and our fellow believers.
We should persist in praying, immersing ourselves in Scripture, and seeking out those in the Body of Christ who we can come into prayer agreement with, as we strive to live a life free from the grip of addiction.
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Jeff Hagen
President & Founder
Hill Cities, Inc.
