What exactly is an addiction?
An addiction is formed when we try to use something other than God, to meet our need to be loved. Addiction can be in form of sex, drugs, alcohol, smoking, spending, masturbation, porn, etc. Addiction to sin is as old as the human race. As soon as Adam and Eve fell into sin, they plunged all of humanity into an addictive pattern.
When our ability to receive God's love into our hearts is hindered, we will feel like something is missing, and seek to fill that void with something else.
When that thing, whatever it might be, fills that void, we grow to love it because it's meeting a need. Over time, we establish a relationship with that thing, and when it comes time to depart, it's like breaking up a relationship. That's why addictions are so addicting; we've relied on that thing to meet a need and we've established a relationship with it. Now when it's time to break up the love, it isn't so easy to say goodbye.
Nine Steps to Freedom
1. Your first step towards breaking free from the power of addictions is to admit that you are addicted and that you need help. Jesus says that when we confess ours sins He is just and faithful to forgive us our sins. I John 1:9
2. Your next step towards breaking free from the power of addictions is acknowledging Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. John 3:16 says that "God so loved the World that He gave his one and Only Son that whoever believes on him shall have eternal life." Begin by praying the Prayer of Salvation. Breaking free from addictions is rarely an over night miracle. Don't allow past failures to keep you from trying again.
3 Resist the Devil. The Bible says, "Resist the devil and he will flee from you." James 4:7 Whenever you feel the old temptations arising again pull out your Bible and begin to read God's word. Do not allow your mind to entertain unclean thoughts or thoughts about your addiction. When they come into your mind immediately divert your attention. Philippians 4:8 says, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things."
4. You will need support from a local church. Most churches with large congregations will provide free counseling to help deliver you from addictions. Jesus can set you free from your addictions. You may still have times of temptation and will need to find a strong support team to give you strength when you feel like taking drugs.
5. Find a mentor or someone to whom you can be accountable. Anytime you are struggling this is the person you will call and get prayer support. A true friend will be someone you can call any time for help and who will listen to you. Breaking addictions is not an easy over-night task. God is mighty to deliver you but you have established bad habits which will take time to be broken. Satan does not want you to be free. The good news is that God is sovereign and mighty. He will deliver you
Say this prayer now:
Dear Jesus, I confess that I am weak right now. I repent of my sins and ask you to forgive me for them. I ask you to help me begin again. I confess that I am in bondage and ask that by the power of the Holy Spirit and the blood of Jesus that you set me free. Thank-you for freedom. .
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