Scripture

Jeremiah 29:11: "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you," says the Lord, "thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope."

1 Corinthians 10:13: "Remember that the temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can't stand up against it. When you are tempted, He will show you a way out so that you will not give into it."

Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

Message

Addiction is a tough one. It is easily misunderstood. Many call it a disease. It is my belief they are in error. It is a sin. Just as lying, stealing, and lusting are sins. It is something we choose to become involved in. The added complication of a drug or alcohol addiction is a chemical dependency that takes place in the brain and makes it more difficult to give up. Of course there are other addictions than drugs and alcohol. They may range from gambling, shopping, pornography, food, or an addiction over a person, or in fulfilling a dream. In all cases we put our selfish desires over God's desires. We become consumed.

My addiction was drugs. I began to see that I wanted my drugs to fulfill where only God could fulfill. His desire is to have our love, devotion and trust. God will provide the strength you need to give up your addiction. He alone can free you of that bondage. Put your trust in Him and allow Him to work in you. You do have to continue to exercise your choice. You must make the decision to say no and stay away from the environment where the temptation awaits you. You have to choose to be clean and it is your responsibility to not sin. Each time you say no, you become more able to say no the next time. Persevere!

Jesus died for our sins and in so doing He gave us new life, new hope and new strength to make the right choices. We must choose Jesus and life over sin and death! He provides the means of escape but we must take it! We must set it in our minds that we love Him and the freedom He has given us, and do what pleases God. Our joy will then be full when we have ceased to live for ourselves and live for the One who gave us new life!

Prayer

Dear Lord, Thank you for being my way out of addiction. Thank you for your Holy Spirit who empowers me to say no to my addiction, and yes to you! Thank you for setting me free from these chains. I ask, Lord, that you will fill me with Your Spirit and keep me on the straight path. May I see sin for what it truly is and flee from it. Sometimes I hear it calling my name so strongly and I desire to give in and fall back into it. I know though that you are stronger than all that. You alone can give me the strength that I lack. I will cling to you. Thank you for never giving up on me. May I love you more than what I am addicted to. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.