Read Romans 7:15-17
I really don’t understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead I do what I hate.
This is a verse that is often uttered by the person with a desire to break free from addiction. I’ve heard it many times. These words are spoken out of the mouths of people who have never even opened a Bible, yet they quote Scripture. They believe they are the only ones who struggle with this. They question: why can’t I just do the right thing? People who suffer from the stronghold of addiction often struggle with the multitude of lies that come with it.
Addiction is the enemy who moves in when least expected. It starts casually and feels good in the beginning. Before we know it we are hanging out, spending more and more time together – because it feels good. It’s fun. This creates a desire to be together. We invite addiction to stick around. Addiction moves in, but as it begins to unpack, it is no longer fun. It feels kinda yucky. We didn’t realize addiction had so much stuff! We feel helpless as we are surrounded by all the boxes of lies, deceit, guilt, shame, insecurity, rejection, despair, unforgiveness, depression, to mention a few. We leave the stuff we don’t want to deal with in the boxes. We choose not to unpack. These boxes sit for years, taking up space and not allowing room for anything else to be brought in. The boxes stack up and create walls that create barriers to walking freely in peace, occupying rooms that were made for joy.
This clutter has led to a life of isolation, fueled by the lack of space or desire to let anyone in. Rejection locks the doors with the key of fear. The thought of being discovered and the expected judgement serve as the deadbolt that holds us captive in a house full of despair.
In the midst of all this we pray for someone to come knocking at our door of defeat. We pray they beg and request to come in. We know what we need, yet we do not ask. Why is it that we know what to do, yet we do not do it. Instead we continue to do what we hate.
If you are in this situation, I’m here to tell you, you are not alone! The first step in the recovery journey is to admit we are powerless. Won’t you take that first step with me? Celebrate Recovery meets every Wednesday night at the church at 7pm. Bring your boxes and let’s unpack them together…
