- Being addicted to an ungodly habit stifles our relationship with the Holy Spirit. Every Christian is therefore called upon to know how to overcome addiction through God. It begins with your preparedness.
Addiction is nothing to joke about in our various societies because it kills thousands to millions of people a year. According to “Ourworldindata” a collective result about smoking, alcohol and illicit drug use kills 11.8 million people each year. Addiction is an illness that eventually leads people to their early graves or destroys their lives. You may be struggling to stay away from something that is addictive. Today, I want you to know that it is possible to break free but it doesn’t happen overnight. Honestly I’ve had my share of this awful experience so I know what I’m talking about. There are a couple of things that can help you know how to overcome addiction with God’s help. Yes! With God all things are possible.
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In 2019, World Drug Report also revealed that 35 million people worldwide suffer from drug abuse with many other consequences. Out of this huge number, only 1 in 7 people get in for treatment.
Remember, that Satan delights in the destruction of people through crafty devices such as alcohol, cigarettes, porn, etc.
Today, I would like to assure you that it is very simple for God to help you break free from any kind of addiction that is crippling you in life. You might be a victim of TV or social media addiction… It’s time to break free!
Medically, Research has shown that 75% of people who suffer from addiction recover and survive through good treatment. According to ‘ScienceDirect’ the recovery rate of addiction is very high.
In certain cases, the addiction could be a spiritual manipulation —so no amount of medical attention can prove futile. Biblical therapy through the healing power of God is needed. The Christian world has witnessed innumerable testimonies of people who got healed from addiction and other sicknesses and diseases.
My Addiction Story And Recovery
In my case, it was masturbation that lasted for several years (I mean more than a decade); I hated it but I couldn’t stop it. I may be able to overcome it for a couple of weeks then it bounces back strongly…
Regular prayers and occasional fasting helped me recover through the power of God. I later realized it was an evil spirit pushing me into that pit. That naughty and irresistible feeling never shows up again. Huh, such a big relief! Thanks be to God that I’m free from this disgusting addiction that once made me a stupid slave to that sin.
Sin Creates Addiction
What creates addiction in the lives of Christians? Entertaining sin or idolizing certain things or people brings about addiction that leads to eternal death.
It begins slowly like cobwebs and develops into iron nets. Breaking free then becomes a challenge. For a God-fearing person to avoid being addicted to cigarettes, alcohol, pornography, masturbation, fornication, social media, etc, he must stay away from sin and anything that tempts him. In other words, a child of God must have absolute control over sin and other tempting situations.
Let me tell you about a very educative video I watched a few days ago. It might sound funny though but hey —let’s be serious. In the video, a young gentleman was at the zoo enjoying the beauty of nature.
He saw an orangutan in its cage. Being inquisitive, he stepped very close to the monkey. Suddenly the monkey grabbed his shirt and pulled him closer. This guy tried to break free but it was too late when the orangutan became aggressive. Again, it grabbed his right leg and pulled it against the metal cage.
This creature, an orangutan is a kind of monkey with muscles so it became a nightmare for the young chap. It took the intervention of others to break free. I believe he learned his lesson that day.
This short story is an example of how people get addicted to certain bad behaviors like smoking and drinking. Please don’t get closer. If you’ve already gotten closer and are caught in the web; don’t give up, there is hope.
Let me take the opportunity here to recommend two books that can help you break free from your addiction.
This piece of content might not be enough so if you need more inspiration and strategies check out the following books n addiction through my affiliate links:
• Helping Others Overcome Addictions: How God’s Grace Brings Lasting Freedom
This is a book by Steve McVey that has transformed the lives of thousands including Grammy Award Winning Gospel Singer, Kirk Franklin who said, “Steve McVey’s books have been used by God to transform my Christian walk.” You can grab this book through my affiliate link.
As I do this recommendation it is left with only 10 copies in Amazon’s store; more would be restocked later.
• I Want to Change My Life: How to Overcome Anxiety, Depression and Addiction.
This is an inspiring book that can help you overcome depression Biblically. It was written by Steven M. Melemis.
This book contains a five-point special plan for overcoming anxiety, depression, and addiction. A book like this could be better than using pills. Grab it from the Amazon store: I want to change my Book.
Now let me take you back to the Bible’s point on alcoholism and such-likes. God said in the book of Proverbs that we should not look at the wine when it looks appealing and refreshing in the glass. In the end, it bites like a snake. I, therefore, tell people to stay away from alcohol if they really want to please God. I never want to justify drinking in my Christian walk, so I always advise my fellow Christians to stay away from alcohol so that they don’t fall into the devil’s trap.
“Do not look on the wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly. Afterward it bites like a snake, and stings like a viper.” (Proverbs 23:31 – 32)
One Biblical strategy to overcome addiction like alcoholism is to stay away from alcohol. You risk your life if you consume it. Just like the cigarette. If you take a look at the packet — it is boldly written that “cigarette can be harmful to your health”, others read: “cigarette causes lung cancer.”
There is another thing that drives people into the web of addiction; It is about giving excessive attention to anything that stifles our relationship with God. These things desensitize you from the presence of the Holy Spirit —your heart then becomes dark and hardened.
God has said on several occasions that He is a jealous God. We must therefore not worship any other god besides Him.
Now you see, in our 21st century technological gadgets like phones, TV, and services like social media have become addictive. They have become idols that steal away our devotion to God (distractions). The kind of media content we consume is questionable when taken through the lens of the Bible.
Remember, if you give too much attention to food, you end up idolizing it (gluttony) — making it a sin. How many hours do we spend on screens and what benefit does it contribute to the growth of the “Church”?
The Problem Of Being In The Web Of Addiction
It is very tempting for anyone to fall into addiction. While alcohol and drugs are the most prevalent ones — others too are destroying the lives of people. Take a look at some of them below:
• Pornography
• Masturbation
• Gluttony
• Social Media
• Lust
• Illicit Sex
• Gambling
• Violence
There are more others putting people into a mental and spiritual prison. Today is the day of your freedom through the power of God. The effects are very detrimental to the body and soul of the person in question.
How To Overcome Addiction Through God
Now, it is time I take you through some Biblical truths that will help you overcome any addiction in your life. God is ever ready to unload you from that burden on your head. He loves you unconditionally.
Before I share that with you let me chip in with this; since the process gradually happens, you can substitute some of the precious time you use in feeding your addiction for reading your Bible, prayers, and consuming Christian-inspiring content in the form of movies and music (spiritual songs).
Amazon Audible has long-term subscriptions that can help you choose Christian songs, podcasts and audio books that are inspiring.
Make up your mind not to go secular (be selective) and it would help you a lot. You can use this link here for your free trial.
Thinking about what kind of movies to watch in addition ?… I have listed a few Christian movies in this article that you may be interested in checking it out.
Now, take a look at the remedies below:
1. Accept Your Weakness, Sins And Addictive Life
Firstly, you must be able to acknowledge that you are sick. Jesus said he came to heal and save the sick or the sinner; We all fall short in his glory.
“When Jesus heard this he said to them, “Those who are healthy don’t need a physician, but those who are sick do. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” (Mark 2:17)
Know that something is not right with you. You weren’t meant to be drinking alcohol, smoking, watching porn, getting stuck on screens every day and every night doing nothing productive for the Lord. Too much of everything is bad for your life.
If you accept the fact that you are suffering from some kind of addiction, your need for help would also increase. It is one good step that whispers “I’m not happy with this kind of life.” There is no shame in admitting your weaknesses or sins. Now it’s time for a change. Press towards your salvation purchased by the blood of Jesus so that you do not run the race in vain.
Unfortunately, some guys would barely acknowledge how messy their lives have been through unhealthy activities that are addictive.
These are the works of the devil. He can blindfold victims of addiction to their death. Unless Christ comes in to deliver the afflicted…
Demons sometimes possess individuals (demoniacs) in order to control their lives, leading them into sin and eternal damnation.
A lot of guys are out there spending hours at the tavern, gambling and giving in to all types of sexual sins. They are possessed by ungodly spirits without their knowledge. Remember, the devil is a thief, liar and murderer.
Here the Bible says:
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come so that they may have life, and may have it abundantly” (John 10:10)
So, your best therapist is Jesus Christ. May you find favor in his sight today if you are struggling with any form of addiction.
2. Go To God Through Prayers
Jesus is the best physician ever to live on earth. He is still healing the afflicted. If you have faith in God, then let nothing stop you from getting help. Your healing and recovery are here… Repent, accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and ask him to help you overcome your challenges. He is already calling you…
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
God is already calling you to come to Him and He will help you. He heals and restores what is beyond human strength and wisdom.
If you believe in God, then trust Him and believe that He will deliver you from your problems. Demonstrate your faith in God through prayers and He will set you free from the shackles of sin.
A sincere heart is needed here. Don’t stress too much. Again, a genuine heart is needed here. Speak to God about your willingness to stop any addictive behavior that is destroying your life.
Jesus came to shed his blood to save the lost, set free those in prison, make the blind see, and grant them salvation through the grace of God. So, you are already on the big radar of God, He is ever ready to pull you out of your messy life.
Prayers should be a daily activity. Don’t just say one or two prayers for a few days and stop. Pray Until Something Happens: P. U. S.H.
Sometimes, you would need to do fasting in addition to the prayers. That helps your spiritual strength to increase to help you break the strongholds of the enemy.
In addition, read your Bible everyday to gain spiritual strength to resist the devil just like how James 4:7 said; submit yourself to God —resist the devil and he will flee.
4. Identify Your Triggers
While you speak to God and make preparation for your breakthrough through faith in God; you must stay away from sin and anything that draws your attention to alcohol, drugs, illicit sex, social media, etc,
Any bad habit that plunges you into the addiction you want God to deliver you from should be prevented.
Be very cautious at all times not to entertain items, people, friends, places or things that trigger your feelings for such unhealthy behaviors.
It is a fight you need to stand firm to fight and be victorious. This fight is about the spirit against the flesh.
5. Walk In The Spirit
Being a child of God, you must worship Him in truth and Spirit (John 4:24). Be zealous to crucify your sinful nature and walk in the Spirit so that you do not fulfill your fleshly desires such as: lust, alcoholism, pornography, etc that lead to eternal damnation.
“So put to death whatever in your nature belongs to the earth: sexual immorality, impurity, shameful passion, evil desire, and greed which is idolatry.” (Colossians 3:5)
If care is not taken, your fleshly desires might send you to eternal destruction. There are several warnings in the Bible to stop such ungodly passions that fuel addiction of any kind. Be filled with the Holy Spirit instead —not wine, porn, social media etc,
Since the devil is working hard to keep people in a spiritual prison and mental darkness, you must stay alert against all his crafty schemes so that you do not get trapped into addiction or any sin.
‘But I say, live by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desires of the flesh. For the flesh has desires that are opposed to the Spirit, and the Spirit has desires that are opposed to the flesh, for these are in opposition to each other, so that you cannot do what you want.” (Galatians 5:16 – 17)
I have seen a lot of alcohol addicts who have been imprisoned by demonic forces. Unless the said person breaks free through serious prayers, fasting or deliverance.
There are two sides to this very topic I am talking about here. The cause might be spiritual or physical. Doctors and specialists don’t have what it takes to cure spiritual sicknesses.
6. Join A True Bible Believing Church
It is imperative to join a genuine Church that preaches the word of God. As false prophets and churches increase, so as many Christians are being misled. God wants believers to regularly meet together to worship, learn the Bible, encourage each other and give help to those in need.
A good church can help anyone struggling to break free from addiction to be free through the name and power of Jesus Christ.
“So that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow – in heaven and on earth and under the earth.” (Philippians 2:10)
Being a member of a church with sound Biblically doctrines is a good step in getting away with unhealthy habits.
Try to be active in your church activities and attend other programs too. Eg. Evangelism, cleaning, Men’s/women’s fellowship, meetings etc, keep yourself busy with the godly works. This will help you grow spiritually and take your mind off the things that drive you into your past life.
7. Make Covenant With Your Body Parts
Job made a covenant with his eyes by saying:
“I made a covenant with my eyes, how then should I look lustfully at a young woman?” (Job 31:1)
This is a very good example for Christians to follow. Make covenants with your eyes, hands, mouths, etc, that you will never allow them to lead you to sin. Remember that a child of God is no more a slave to sin.
Making a covenant with your sinful body parts is very essential in overcoming addictions. You see, some guys opened portals for the devil and gave chances to sinful desires to rule their lives.
The Bible gave us a warning by saying:
“If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away! It is better to lose one of your members than to have your whole body thrown into hell. 30 If your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away! It is better to lose one of your members than to have your whole body go into hell.” (Matthew 5:29 – 30)
The verses above are proverbial. Deal with the things that drag you into sin. You have a significant role to play in your own recovery from addiction. Don’t be lame… The Bible instructs us to put our senses under control and stay away from sinful activities.
If anyone wants God to help him overcome addiction, then he should shut his senses against dangerous objects. This will help you stay away from occasions of sin that lead us to eternal damnation.
Which part of your body is causing you to be a prisoner of sin? Shut it down by making a solemn promise to yourself in faith through Christ Jesus and the Holy Spirit will help you to overcome. Don’t forget that Christ has already won the victory for you on the cross. (Romans 8:37)
8. See A Doctor Or Therapist
God in His own wisdom has imparted knowledge to doctors and specialists to help us deal with physical and mental problems.
You can look out for any professional therapist to take you through medical help. They can counsel you to develop a strong will against the things that drive you into any life-threatening habit.
You may specifically go in for Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) which will help normalize your brain activities, thoughts, and reactions toward certain situations.
A piece of advice from counselors would help speed up your recovery progress. The Bible supports us to seek good advice that is encouraging from people like doctors, therapists and even friends.
“Anxiety in a person’s heart weighs him down, but an encouraging word brings him joy.” (Proverbs 12:25)
Again, God wants us to stay healthy — that is: mentally, physically and spiritually.
Below is a new video about dealing with addiction as a Christian on my YouTube channel:
In the context of this topic, prioritize your mental health and never be a slave to any sinful habit. May God fill your heart, mind and body with His Spirit and make you whole in Jesus’ name!
I welcome your comments and feedback.
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