Addictions
Perhaps failure, trials, or heavy burdens have entrapped you in the lies of this world. When we find ourselves weighed down and over burdened, we often seek an escape or try to fullfill ourselves and in the process gain destructive habits. The battle against our addictions can go from one extreme of self-pity and suicidal thoughts, to the other extreme of anger and hatred at everyone around us. Our struggles often leave us feeling powerless and entrapped in bondage. To find freedom from the bondages of sin that we find ourselves in, we must first seek the freedom from the condemnation of sin that can only be found in knowing Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. If you have never recognized your sin as wretched and deserving of separation from God forever, and if you have never repented and called out to Jesus to save you; go to Gospel to learn more about what it means to trust in Christ as your Savior.
If you already have a relationship with Jesus as your Lord and Savior; and yet struggle with addiction or a difficult bondage to a particular sin, you must first admit that your addiction is sin against the One and only holy and just God and ask Him to free you from its hold on your life. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 8:9 BSB). God promises to heal us if we confess our sins, but if we refuse to admit our sins, we are lying to God. The power of overcoming sin is only found in Jesus Christ. He never sinned, and He defeated death and the power of sin on the cross for us when He rose from the dead. It is when we come to a place of repentance, admit our sin, look to the cross of Jesus Christ, that He gives us the power through the indwelling of His Holy Spirit. Through His Spirit and the promises of His Word, God renews our mind to break us free from all the bondages of this world.
Sometimes we need to get help and/or accountability for addictions or bondages that seem impossible to break free from. Below are some reputable ministries that have helped many get free from these difficult bondages. "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed" (John 8:36 BSB).
Micah Tyler - Walking Free (Official Video) See 'Ground 40' below.
Ground40
"Ground40 is a ministry that helps men transition back into the community from homelessness, addiction, and incarceration. They facilitate this through discipleship and educating them on strong, Biblical principles, through a practical three stage process" (Source: Ground 40).
Teen Challenge
Teen challenge is a ministry that provides youth and adults with a Christian faith-based solution to life-controlling problems. Using Biblical principles, they strive to help others to become mentally-sound, emotionally-balanced, socially-adjusted, physically-well, and spiritually-alive (Source: Teen Challenge).
Focus on the Family
Information and helps for coping with death and grief, depression, divorce, conflict resolution, pornography, dating later in life, eating disorders, sexual abuse, making a career change, and/or breaking free from debt. Speak with a licensed Christian counselor at no cost by calling 1-855-771-HELP (4357) Monday through Friday between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Mountain time. You may be asked to leave your name and number for a counselor to return a call to you.
