Addictions

You will only overcome what you learn to detest.

In a recent church service I had all those who had been praying for a friend, family member or loved one who was addicted to something to stand. Nearly the entire congregation stood to their feet. What was even more shocking was this was a very distinguished congregation.

I have used several times the analogy that mold only grows in the dark. You can only quit what you are willing to admit. Addictions can only be broken when we depend upon God's help. "He sent His word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions." Psalms 107:20

The greatest thing a person can do when seeking to be delivered from any addiction is to pour the word of God into their eyes, ears and their heart. Only when we are truly desperate for change will we see change.

Sometimes fasting is required and seeking God's face for an extended period of time will be a helpful solution. "Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?" Isaiah 58:6 The addiction in your life right now is a yoke. It is a bondage that yokes up to your neck.

During a time of addiction it may seem like God is so far away. Remember Bet Midler's secular song, "from a distance, God is watching us?" It is a great tune but from a Bible perspective, it is scripturally incorrect. God is watching us but it is NOT from a distance. "Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither His ear heavy, that it cannot hear." Isaiah 59:1

Having the truth in your life does not necessarily set a person free. But rather, "knowing the truth" will set you free and keep you free. "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free." John 8:32. Did you notice that? Knowledge of the truth gets you free.

Your body is a house. A house for the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit used to live in a box called the Arc of the Covenant. Now that we are under a different dispensation of time, we now see that the Holy Spirit will not live in a house made with man's hands but rather, the Holy Spirit will live in this human temple. Your Body is the temple. The temple of the Holy Spirit.

"What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have from God, and ye are not your own?" I Corinthians 6:19

Today whatever addictive behavior you have in your life not only hurts you but hurts those around you. Learn to detest the addiction in your life and watch how you overcome.