“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”
1 Corinthians 10:13 is an ultimate reminder that God will never put something in your path that you do not have the capability to overcome. He will never give you a temptation so great that you cannot recover with the help he has made available to you. That includes addiction. Yes, the temptations are great, the trials are great, but you will find the strength to overcome. That may require leaning on your community, it should involve asking for help, and it should involve turning to God, but He has given you the tools to move on and to recover.
“He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.”
Proverbs 25:28 is less of an inspiration and more of a reminder, an admonishment. Self-control, discipline, and developing healthy habits for yourself are crucial to your recovery. Without working to build yourself up, to create healthy patterns for yourself, and to develop order, you will simply fall back into old habits and drug or alcohol use. That means exercising (most people should get 30+ minutes of light to moderate exercise per day), eating well (following government recommendations is always a good idea), and engaging with your community through church, 12-Step meetings, and volunteering where possible.
“See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
Wherefore be ye not unwise but understanding what the will of the Lord is.
And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;”
Ephesians 5:15-20 is very clear about its message, which is turning away from addiction with the power of spirituality and turning to the Lord. It’s easy to find gratitude and meaning in the Lord, which will give you motivation and inspiration to change.
“Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:
But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death”
James 1:12-15 is part admonishment, part reminder that giving into temptation only brings pain and disappointment. You experience cravings now. You will continue to experience them. No one who frees themselves from addiction is ever free from vulnerability to relapse. You must remain on your guard and remind yourself that giving into temptation is only going to set you back and hurt you in the long-term.
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.”
1 Peter 5:8-10 is a strong reminder that patience, resilience, and determination will get you through every temptation. God’s Grace is in you and with time, you will come out of temptation stronger, calmer, and happier. While there is much to overcome and only time will bring God’s peace to you, you will get there and He has given you the tools to do so.
“For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.”
Addiction, cravings, drugs, alcohol, they’re all temporary. Only in God will you find eternal life. Only in God will you find the strength you need to overcome and to move on to a healthy, happy life. There are temptations along the way, but only God truly matters.
“Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.”
The temptation of alcohol is strong, as is the temptation of any other intoxicant. But allowing it to tempt you and giving in is making a bad choice. Each time you are tempted, you are faced with the opportunity to strengthen yourself, to make the hard decision and stay clean and sober, and to turn to something else instead.
“All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.”
1 Corinthians 6:12 basically says, “I can do whatever I choose, but not everything is good for me, and I will not be a slave to anything”. You can drink, you can do drugs, there is very little to stop you. That doesn’t make it the right choice for you, for your life, or for your family. Every time you say no, you are doing so of your own free will, because you can do all of these things. You choose not to, you empower yourself, and you make the right choice for your body and your soul.
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
There is a lot of good in life. There is a lot that is rewarding and wonderful and enjoyable without drugs or alcohol. The key to recovery is finding joy in your life, in Christ, and in your family and community. Dwell on those things, find things to be grateful for, and be vocal about what you are grateful for. Philippians 4:8 is a reminder that living well is about gratitude and recognizing the good in your life first.
Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
You’ll always mean well. No one ever intends to be addicted. No one ever intends to relapse. Yet, we do. It’s crucial to stay vigilant, to be watchful of yourself, and to recognize when you’re slipping. Be ready to reach out and to ask for help, to talk when you need it, and to be honest to yourself and to others about how you’re doing.
No matter where you are in your journey away from addiction, you can always find peace, inspiration, and reminders in the Word of God. Good luck with your journey.
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