The thing about addiction

Yes, addiction. There are so many forms: nicotine, alcohol, caffeine, self-mutilation and even an unquenchable desire.

But the thing about addiction is, in the end, we all know it's bad for you. Oh, but when you're on that incredible high, nothing else matters. You're invincible, you're idiotically happy, you're on top of the world and you're blissfully unaware of the consequences your actions will have on others or you just conveniently choose to forget.

When you take that overdue fall back to reality, the pain overwhelms you, you're even emptier than before and you open your eyes to the wreckage of your selfishness. That's when you start questioning your sanity: do I have a problem? Am I addicted to this ridiculously ludicrous thing???

The answer is yes. You have a problem. You're addicted. Now, what are you going to do about it?

You can't fall back and time after time embrace the longing, the desire because you'll never be free. You'll be the victim of your own doing. But finding the strength to let go is just so hard!

Here's where the good news comes swooping in to save us from our misery: Jesus is here to help you! Ultimately, the price of sin (addiction is a sin, sorry) is an eternal death in hell. Excuse the depressing note, but it's true. But, here's that good news I was promising:

Romans 8:12- "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death."

And not only has He saved us, He also gives us the strength to stop!

Psalm 18:32-36- "It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights. He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You give me your shield of victory; and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great. You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn."

Life is hard and temptation won't suddenly forget where you live. It'll come knocking on many occasions, but you have the means to stop it. You can say NO. It'll be excruciating at first, but when you learn to give it up, the sweet high of success is better than any high a drug can supply.

Good luck, my fellow addicts. Stay strong! God bless us all!