If you or a loved one are struggling with the illness of addiction, you know it's a minute-by-minute, day-by-day journey in learning dependence on God rather than: a chemical substance that distracts from deeper issues, the allure of consuming food for comfort, looking for fulfillment in shopping, the rush of gambling, the numbing of alcohol, or even a co-dependent relationship that holds both people back from healing. It can be hard to face these difficult mountains, but in Christ, we have been given everything we need to see victory return with each fresh, new day. Prayer, accountability, and honesty with ourselves are all key elements for daily healing.
“The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.” - 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NLT)
Heavenly Father, I know I’m not the first person to face temptation. Thank you that no matter how bad things get, you will never let it become more than I can handle. I pray that when temptation comes my way, you will give me the wisdom to see the way out of it and the strength to take it.
“You say, ‘I am allowed to do anything—but not everything is good for you. And even though ‘I am allowed to do anything,’ I must not become a slave to anything.” - 1 Corinthians 6:12 (NLT)
Lord, I know not everything in my life is good for my life. Following you isn’t always easy, but I know you never expect me to do it independently. Help me not to let the things in my life become the master of my life. May your Spirit change my heart and remove the desires that conflict with following you. On the days where I crave what’s not good for me, remind me of your goodness and help me to choose what’s right, even when it’s hard.
“Don’t be fooled by those who say such things, for ‘bad company corrupts good character.’” - 1 Corinthians 15:33 (NLT)
God, I know that you’ve created me for relationships. Even before sin entered the world, you said it was not good for people to be alone. That is especially true in the broken world I find myself in today. Show me how to connect with the family of Christ. Help me to experience authentic, Christian community in my life. May I stay away from the people and places in my life that will bring harm to my life.
“So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” - James 4:7 (NLT)
Father, I know that you know what’s best for my life. I want to follow you, but sometimes I get in my own way. There are days where I think my way and the world’s way is the best. Help me to humble myself before you. Give me the strength to stop letting pride be my guide. When the enemy comes after me, help me to resist him with the power of your Holy Spirit so he will flee from me and not have another victory in my life.
“Dear friends, I warn you as ‘temporary residents and foreigners to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls.” - 1 Peter 2:11 (NLT)
Heavenly Father, sometimes I forget that earth is not my home. Jesus said that he was going to prepare a better home for me. I long for the day when I can enter that home and see you face to face. Until that day, help me to remember that you are my home and my rest. When my old nature wrestles with the new heart you’ve given me, show me how to feed my new self, so I don’t go back to my old ways. May you have the victory in my life so I can glorify you with my life.
“Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your hearts.” - 1 John 5:21 (NLT)
Lord, I know there’s nothing that even comes close to how great you are, but sometimes I get so distracted by the things of this life that I forget what’s most important in life – you. May my times in your word and pray each day to remind me how amazing you really are. Teach me how to fill my life with more of you and less of the things of this world. Help me to keep away from anything that might take your place in my heart.
“So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.” - John 8:36 (NLT)
God, thank you for the freedom I have in Christ. Thank you that I no longer have to be a slave to sin. Sometimes my old habits resurface and temp me back into my old way of life. Help me on those days to keep my eyes on you. May I never trade my freedom in Christ for the chains of my past. Remind me of your power, promises, and presence so I don’t give in to temptation. Help me break free from anything that would keep me from you and the abundant life I can have in Jesus.
“So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.” - Galatians 5:16 (NLT)
Father, thank you for sending the Holy Spirit to guide my life. I praise you for his work on my life and his presence in my life. On the days when I try to take back the steering wheel of my life, remind me of how much better life is when you are in the driver's seat. Show me what steps you want me to take next. Lead me away from sin and help me to follow the lead of my savior.
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