B - Addiction: Biblical Truths that Set You Free

Copyright 2018 by B&H Publishing Group

All Rights Reserved

Printed in the United States of America

978-1-5359-1774-2

Published by B&H Publishing Group

Nashville, Tennessee

Dewey Decimal Classification: 242.5

Subject Heading: DEVOTIONAL LITERATURE \ BIBLEINSPIRATION \ MEDITATIONS \ PRAYERS

All Scripture quotations are taken from the Christian Standard Bible, Copyright 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible and CSB are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.

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We live in a world of want. The average American is surrounded by wants and desires that can be met at a moments notice. If youre hungry, theres fast food. If youre bored, theres entertainment on demand. If you want relationships (friendly or romantic), theres social media. In a world where we can have our needs met at the click of a mouse, the press of a button, or the swipe of a finger, addiction becomes prevalent. Addiction, however, is just a form of idolatry.

Some are more obvious. Most acknowledge that drugs, alcohol, and pornography are harmful; but there are some that are less obvious: food, technology, even relationships can become an addiction. Maybe youre struggling with one of the more obvious idols. Maybe youre struggling with one of the less. Whatever the addiction, youve picked up this book because youre looking for a way out; and the only way through is by placing your trust and your cares upon Christ and diving into the Scriptures that have as prevalent a message today as when they were written. Allow the message of these Scriptures to encourage and equip you in overcoming whatever addiction ails you.

In the stages of grief, anger is the second step. The first thing that we do is deny that there is a problem, but before we ever get close to acceptance, we get angry. Thats one of the most common threads in the addiction story that weve all come to know. Theres a move from theres not a problem, to a wrathful response, to acknowledgment of the problem. Anger is a natural response to addiction. We get angry at the fact that we even got into this whole mess in the first place, but we cant stay there. Allow these verses to guide you in knowing that anger is not the place where we stop on the road to overcoming addiction.

Refrain from anger and give up your rage;

do not be agitatedit can only bring harm.

Psalm 37:8

A patient person shows great understanding,

but a quick-tempered one promotes foolishness.

Proverbs 14:29

A gentle answer turns away anger,

but a harsh word stirs up wrath.

Proverbs 15:1

But I tell you, everyone who is angry with his brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Whoever insults his brother or sister, will be subject to the court. Whoever says, You fool! will be subject to hellfire.

Matthew 5:22

Be angry and do not sin. Dont let the sun go down on your anger, and dont give the devil an opportunity.

Ephesians 4:2627

Lord, I am struggling with anger and resentment. I am angry that Ive been put in this situation. Im even more angry that Ive gotten myself here. Im afraid, God. Im afraid that if I let this anger go, then it will be the last thing that I have. Lord, take this fear away from me. Allow me to let go of my anger and move forward in wisdom. Allow me to be able to let go of my frustrations and hold onto You God. Amen

One of the deepest forms of anxiety is found in withdrawal. Withdrawal comes in all forms of addiction, regardless of whether its physical or psychological. Once the brain or body sees something as a need, whenever its taken away, it can make a person fairly anxious. This anxiousness will pass. Anxiety is tied with worrying about what is to come, allow these verses to provide the reassurance in knowing that anxiousness is temporary, Gods love is constant.

Therefore I tell you: Dont worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Isnt life more than food and the body more than clothing? Consider the birds of the sky: They dont sow or reap or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Arent you worth more than they? Can any of you add one moment to his life-span by worrying?

Matthew 6:2527

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your cares on him, because he cares about you.

1 Peter 5:67

Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Dont let your heart be troubled or fearful.

John 14:27

Dont worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:67

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.

2 Timothy 1:7

Father, I am anxious. I am afraid. I feel like I need something that I know I dont. Father, take this anxiousness away from me and replace it with peace. Allow me to find rest, God. Allow me to know that I dont have to be in control. Help me to put my anxieties in Your hands. I give You my anxieties, Lord, knowing You will guard my heart and mind with Your peace. Amen

Change is scary sometimes. We go from a world weve come to know, into the unknown, and with addiction, we learn that we need to let that world go. Even when we are in an unpleasant place, sometimes we will choose to stay there just because its familiar. Though change is a little unsettling at times, we can come to a place of peace in knowing that the place we are trying to reach is a place with a loving God that shows us that we dont need the world; we just need Him. The journey may be unknown, but the destination is well-worth the travel. Allow these verses to help you see change through a lens of excitement and encouragement.

There is an occasion for everything, and a time for every activity under heaven.

Ecclesiastes 3:1

Do not remember the past events, pay no attention to things of old. Look, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.

Isaiah 43:1819

Because I, the L ord , have not changed, you descendants of Jacob have not been destroyed.

Malachi 3:6