(Continued from last week.)
There are over 200 recognized addictions. All addictions can generate an altered state of consciousness by keeping us from facing ourselves. We must learn to discern what is within us that are not of God. Spirits of darkness will always manifest by thoughts, feelings, emotions, or direction. They work through our thinking, speaking, and acting, but they do not represent God’s freedom for our lives.
If we become one with something as if it were us, then God cannot heal us. Therefore, we need to recognize what is working within us. We need to recognize what we have allowed to become part of who we are. We need to repent to God for serving sin. ROMANS 6:16 “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or obedience unto righteousness”. We have become servants of addiction principalities rather than servants of righteousness. However, our battle is not against ourselves, and we cannot whip ourselves into shape. The world has their 12 step programs to help you manage your addictions, not get rid of them. This is not freedom. God wants us free of all addictions.
We must first recognize the enemy. We need to confess our sins to God. We need to love God, love others, and love ourselves. We need to read the Word to cleanse our minds by the washing of the water of the Word. We need to learn to take every thought captive. Then discern, is this thought of God or coming from somewhere else. Make a choice as to what you will dwell on. Then take your peace.
We need to know the Word and then risk all by doing the Word. Faith says even if I perish trusting you, I will still trust you.
It takes 28 days and a change of heart to overcome addictions. It’s about who we are in our place of security. I’m not saying it will not be a battle. But your life is worth fighting for. Let today be the first day of the rest of your life, addiction free.