The Bible counsels us to live a life of moderation and wisdom, but too often addictions place us on a path toward destruction and unhappiness. We turn to sexual sin, substances, food, gambling, and other unhealthy activities as a strategy to overcome hardships, as antidotes for loneliness, and to fill other voids in our lives. Once we are bound to the chains of addiction, feelings of emptiness, shame, brokenness, and loneliness quickly set in. Life then becomes an unending cycle of trying to overcome the pain but feeling powerless to change our circumstances. The hard truth is we cannot overcome these unhealthy patterns on our own, but God can.
Though we may believe this in our hearts, our addictions may still make us feel unworthy of God’s love. However, Jesus calls us to think differently. “Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matt. 11:28).
The weight of addiction becomes lighter when you seek a relationship with Christ. He knows what it means to be tempted; when Jesus fasted for 40 days and nights in the desert, Satan tried to tempt Him. He also knows your sin and He loves you and is willing to forgive you anyway. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool” (Isa. 1:18). Addictions may break us but Christ can put us back together. Invite Him in to your life by praying for His strength and wisdom, reading the Word, developing faith-based relationships, and asking for forgiveness if you fall back into old habits.
In inviting God into your life, you can find the strength for dealing with addiction, and overcome addiction. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 10:13, “No temptation has seized you, except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”
We are also well aware that God uses people in our lives to bring healing and wholeness. Most of us will need the assistance of others along with our faith to break free from the bondage of addiction. It’s okay and necessary to seek out addiction professionals to help with the recovery process. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help.
Just Between Us has compiled resources to help you in your quest to overcome addiction and grow in your relationship with Jesus Christ. We invite you to spend time reading these articles and learning from those who know and understand firsthand the pain of addiction and offer encouragement by sharing their own personal experiences.
RECOVERY RESOURCES
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): 1-800-662-4357
American Addiction Centers - Recovery.org: 1-888-319-2606
National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD)
National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP): 1-888-574-1008