Breaking the Cycle of Addiction
I am not an expert on addiction, but I see people all around me struggling with various forms of addiction. I have not ever been addicted to anything except food, and I am sure that is the easiest addiction to break. However, the addictions I see are so damaging, not only to the addict, but to his or her family. It is one of Satan's ways to control a person and bring destruction in many ways. My heart goes out to all of those who are in this battle.
From what I have seen addictions come from many sources. Many are trying to cover up personal pain and broken relationships. There is the self-esteem factor that is either a cause or a result of the addiction. Then, there is just simply the pleasure factor, but the pleasure turns into great pain. Whatever the cause, there is a solution. The person must let God be God and quit trying to be god themselves. They must realize that they are not wise enough or powerful enough to call the shots, but He is, and He is loving as well. He is ready to deliver them from addiction to a substance or an activity, so they can be addicted to Him. That is the only healthy addiction.
We all probably know several people who are in this battle against an addiction to alcohol, drugs, gambling, pornography, or sex. We must pray earnestly for them, and do what we can to intervene on their behalf to break the cycle of their addiction. Yes, it might be painful, but a soul is worth the effort and the pain it might cost us. Just think of all Jesus went through to free you from sin. The least we can do is to endure a little hardship and pain to see another person set free. Then, there are the families of the addicts. Some of them are worn out from the effects of the addiction on their family and finances. They are too weary at this point to carry on. We need to be there for them to support them and love them through it all. Only the power of God can really set a person free and mend a broken relationship.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Judges 8-10.
From what I have seen addictions come from many sources. Many are trying to cover up personal pain and broken relationships. There is the self-esteem factor that is either a cause or a result of the addiction. Then, there is just simply the pleasure factor, but the pleasure turns into great pain. Whatever the cause, there is a solution. The person must let God be God and quit trying to be god themselves. They must realize that they are not wise enough or powerful enough to call the shots, but He is, and He is loving as well. He is ready to deliver them from addiction to a substance or an activity, so they can be addicted to Him. That is the only healthy addiction.
We all probably know several people who are in this battle against an addiction to alcohol, drugs, gambling, pornography, or sex. We must pray earnestly for them, and do what we can to intervene on their behalf to break the cycle of their addiction. Yes, it might be painful, but a soul is worth the effort and the pain it might cost us. Just think of all Jesus went through to free you from sin. The least we can do is to endure a little hardship and pain to see another person set free. Then, there are the families of the addicts. Some of them are worn out from the effects of the addiction on their family and finances. They are too weary at this point to carry on. We need to be there for them to support them and love them through it all. Only the power of God can really set a person free and mend a broken relationship.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Judges 8-10.