Can I tell you a story?
Of course, I believe you will really learn from this story. I once had a neighbor who suffered from drug addiction. The drug intake affected him negatively, such much that his entire life became miserable. He became so frustrated with life and attempted suicide severally. You see, your story might not be like that of my neighbor. It could be something else. But you must understand that anything you become so obsessed about is an addiction.
Anything!
These range from using your smartphones, gaming shopping, caffeine intake, alcohol, pornography, etc. Addiction steals time and creates a habit that affects your mind and your mindset in life. Statistics show that nearly 23 million Americans, which is 1 in every 10 Americans, is addicted to alcohol or other drugs.
BUT FIRST, WHAT IS ADDICTION?
According to a definition on Wikipedia, addiction is a biopsychosocial disorder characterised by compulsive engagement in rewarding stimuli despite adverse consequences. So, victims of addiction are about satisfying the pleasure they derive and do not take a second to think about the consequences of what they are doing.
Surely, addiction is the devil’s stronghold to oppress his victim. Some addicts have tried several therapeutic means to break free from their addiction, but all efforts have proven futile. Now, do you see why it is best to involve Biblical principles to solve this problem because it is often beyond the habit? A powerful force now sponsors the act.
BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES TO BREAK FREE FROM ADDICTION
Throughout history, the Bible has been able to proffer solutions to different kinds of problems. But the question is, what is God’s concern with addiction? Is Addiction not a human problem that can be solved through logic, discipline and reasoning? Why is addiction related to the scriptures?
You see, an addict cannot easily be free from addiction. You must have realised that it takes beyond being disciplined, resolute and determined to be free from addiction. You need divine help backed by divine principles. God is interested in helping addicts break free from their addictions. Therefore, He had outlined certain principles in the scriptures, which will be discussed later in this blog post.
A wise man said that the solution cannot be farfetched once you recognise a problem. This is true. To break free from addiction, you have to first admit that you are addicted to the object of addiction. Also, you must know the certain things or situation that triggers your obsession with that addiction. Once you identify these things, you can come to God with meekness of heart to receive His forgiveness.
The Bible says;
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness”.
-1 John 1:9
God is willing to cleanse you from your addiction if you confess it to him. Confession signifies your acknowledgement of your fault.
The First Biblical Principle to Break Free From Addiction is to Win in Your Mind
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
-Romans 12:2
The mind is a battleground for thoughts. The word of God is your weapon for victory. The Bible urges that you transform your mind by renewing it. The study of the word of God is the way to renew your mind and helps you prove the will of God in your life.
In addition, confession is also necessary if you want to win in your mind and in life. You must learn to speak God’s word in your life as often as possible. As you do, you are training your subconscious mind to know what is right to do.
In one of Apostle Paul’s teachings, you can cast down imaginations and thoughts against God’s knowledge. The best way to do this is to replace those thoughts and imaginations with God’s word. This is why meditation on God’s word is important.
And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit,
Ephesians 5:18
The above bible verse is a perfect replacement for an alcohol addict. However, it also applies to every other form of addiction. Being filled with the Holy Spirit allows Him to overhaul you so much that He controls your day to day life. You must let the Holy Spirit rule you and not your emotions if you want to break free from addiction.
The word ‘being’ in the above Bible text is a present continuous tense, which implies that as a believer, there is not a time when you should not be under the influence of the Holy Spirit.
Fellowshipping with other Believers
Your freedom from addiction is not complete without fellowship with other believers. Fellowship is a place where you derive strength and support from people of like minds as you. No matter how strong you have become, you still need strength from fellowship.
The wise king Solomon admonishes that when one falls, the other will lift him up, but the one who is alone has no one to help him. Fellowship with the brethren will also help you stay firm to your commitment not to return to your addiction. Testimonies from other people who have broken free from addiction will inspire you.
In Conclusion, God wants to help you break free from addictions. Hence, he inspired this article for everyone struggling with addiction. I want you to pray a simple prayer right now:
Father Lord, I decree that I am free from every form of addiction in the name of Jesus (Amen).
