When Jesus learned of the death of his cousin, John the Baptist, it was no doubt one of the darkest hours of His life. Saddened by the bad news, Jesus departed from the crowd to a deserted place by Himself… Read More ›
Addiction
Addiction is a compulsive, chronic, physiological, or psychological need for a habit-forming substance, behavior, or activity having harmful physical, psychological, or social effects. Sudden withdrawal from addiction causes well-defined symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, tremors, or nausea.
Addictions are very real. However, they are not impossible to overcome with God’s help. The Bible offers much encouragement for those dealing with addiction.
God does not see us in our self-induced sadness, depression, brokenness, and addiction. He will never leave us there. Instead, God provides a way out. The way of escape is through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He does this through the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
The good news of the gospel is that God sees us even in our addictions. He loves us and provides the way out. While most counseling and treatment focuses on behavior modification, God focuses on the new you. The Scriptures say the only way to a new life is to renounce the old life. The good news of the Gospel is that God has the power and authority to give you a new heart: “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” (Ezekiel 36:26)
However, to achieve lasting freedom from addiction, you must acknowledge your sin. Then you must repent, that is, change your mind about God. Much of the problem we face in receiving from God lies in the way we view God.
Also, you must believe the gospel! Jesus died to give you freedom from addiction. The Scriptures say, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). The good news of the gospel is that our evil, selfish, addictive behavior that demands retribution has been fully punished in the body of Jesus. He received the punishment we deserved and gave us grace, life, and love that we did not deserve.
When the gospel takes root in your life, you take on a new identity. No longer are you a drug addict, a sex addict, etc. You are a new creation. When this truth takes root in your heart, you become a new creation. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Corinthiansn5:17).