There have been volumes written on how to beat addiction, and while much of it is helpful and has merit, so many of the strategies lack power for any real lasting change.
Could it be seeing the way forward is as simple as looking back? Let me suggest that, perhaps, in our zeal for “self-help” and integrating new-age slogans such as; “You have the power within,” we have all but abandoned one of the strongest devices to help us in our fight against addiction.
It would be like stepping into the ring with a world champion boxer and telling your trainer; “No water, no coaching, and during the breaks I don’t need a stool on which to sit, I got this!” We wouldn’t just call that wrong; we’d actually call it stupid!
Scripture Battling Addiction
The very tool I’m referring to is the ancient word of God, the Bible. Listen to what the Psalmist says in Psalm 119:9-11
9 How can a young person stay on the path of purity?
By living according to your word.
10 I seek you with all my heart;
do not let me stray from your commands.
11 I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you.
The Psalmist is facing the evil within himself which is why he asks; “How can a young person stay on the path to purity?” He knows that there are threats all around!
There are threats of sexual immorality, threats of chemical addiction, threats of co-dependency. Notice that the Psalmist does not simply “look within,” rather, he looks to a more powerful reality, namely God’s word, as the source of strength and healing.
“Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.”
What would this look like in real life? I think it might look something like this: The moment of temptation hits and you want to engage in something sinful, addictive and wrong.
Instead of simply trying not to do it, you choose to consider the promises of Scripture as GREATER promises than the promises of sin.
Sin promises DESTRUCTION, ISOLATION, BITTERNESS and SEPARATION, and you hold those promises next to the promises of God which are Fullness of Joy (Psalm 16:11), a better reward (Hebrews 12), intimacy with God (Matthew 6) and many others.
It is faith in a better future that Scripture offers. The power of breaking the addiction isn’t just more willpower.
No friends, you need better, lasting promises that inspire hope and victory, and God’s word is the place you find a much better future with Jesus Christ as the Hero and Savior saving you from sin and addiction.
About the Author:
Ryan Moffat is the teaching pastor at Vast Church in Sisters, OR and is currently working on his Masters in Theology at Western Seminary in Portland, OR
Ryan received his BS in Bible and Theology and a minor in counseling from Multnomah University. He has pastored students, families and is passionate about Christ-centered recovery and healing. He’s been married to his beautiful wife Michelle for 13 years and they enjoy raising four crazy, unique and special kids together.
The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of addictions. These are not necessarily the views of Addiction Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.
We at Addiction Hope understand that addictions result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an addiction, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.
Published on September 27, 2017
Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on September 27, 2017.
Published on AddictionHope.com