Addiction. It's been part of my life for over 40 years. I've successfully battled drugs and alcohol overcoming their hold on my life by the power of the Holy Spirit. And I remain grateful everyday that I do not walk with those chains any longer. They no longer call to me the way they once did. I don't here the siren song of "just one more time." any more. I do still deal with food and coffee addiction and right now they seem to be glued to my days. I feel the pull constantly to make another cup of coffee or eat when I'm not hungry, take the extra helping or add some junk food to my day. It's hard to say no. I have successes and failures, it's like a yo yo, up and down, up and down.
The difference with food and other addictions is that you cannot go cold turkey with food. You can't just stop eating! LOL The trick is to stop making the wrong choices of what and how much I put in my body. So I started reading a book by Michael L. Brown and his wife Nancy called "Breaking the Stronghold of Food." It's been thought provoking, causing my heart to respond to their words. It's also brought some insight and some decisions on my part. I can't keep fighting the food battle the way I've been. Sometimes change needs to be drastic and determined.
One of my decisions is to pick up God's Word EVERY time I feel tempted to overeat or make an extra cup of coffee. Right now, I am allowing myself to have coffee in the morning, but I've changed to 2/3rd decaf....also if I feel it is going to be a trigger, I will have to let it go completely. If anyone knows anything about fighting addiction they know that when you give something up completely it's like losing your best friend. Depression and the sense of loss can be overwhelming. And I'm going to be coupling this new plan with a lot of prayer. Praying before every morsel I eat.
My plan is to read Psalms anytime I feel the pull of my addictions. And I am excited about this path the Lord showed me. He also sent some encouraging words to add to His plan and I just love these special God visits. It's a reminder that God sees each of us, what we are going through, what we are dealing with. He sees our daily struggles and knows our life's journey and what to do at just the perfect time to build us up and keep us on course. He sees me and you as individuals. Remember, Jesus said in Matthew 10:30 "And the very hairs on your head are all numbered."
I downloaded a new Daily Bible App on my phone and for the last two days the verses have been the perfect fit. No surprise there. LOL Our Father knows exactly what we need and when we need it!
Wednesday's verse: 2 Corinthians 12:9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Thursday's verse: 1 Corinthians 6:19 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? (I had just read this verse in the above mentioned book too!)
And today's verse because I just checked the app LOL Ephesians 3:20-21 20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
God is so good. I am always thrilled by these visits. I want to encourage with these verses as He encouraged me. Whatever you are facing today, God sees you. He is El-roi. He is the God who sees you. Genesis 16:13 Then she called the name of the Lord who spoke to her, You-Are-the-God-Who-Sees; for she said, “Have I also here seen Him who sees me?”
Lord, You see us. You are not only the God of the universe, the God of the kingdom, the God overall things with a plan for eternity, but You are also the God who sees me. You see each of us, each life moment, each part of our day, our bodies our hearts and souls....You see us, individually and personally and love and care for us as a mother caring for her child. Your heart is tender and Your touch is love. Thank You for these sweet words sent into my days. I share them prayerfully. Let them sooth and encourage hearts as they go out to do Your will Lord. I pray each of us will come to the safety of You and find our strength and comfort there. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Use the Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God for any and all battles you face.
No comments:
Post a Comment