Love Junkies: Break The Toxic Relationship Cycleنموونە

Have you ever made a New Year’s resolution that didn’t make it past January? You’re not alone. Most of us fail to keep our resolutions because we try to maintain them based on our own willpower. If our resolve isn’t empowered by divine vision, our restraint fails when temptation taunts us…even more so in relationships. 

That’s why revelation is vital. When we rely on our own wisdom to make wise choices in love we set ourselves up for failure. Revelation is important because Satan knows our weaknesses better than we do. He delivers our greatest temptations when we are most vulnerable. 

The devil waited for an opportune time to tempt Jesus when he was hungry, alone and tired in the desert, and he does the same with us. But Jesus had a revelation. He refused to make decisions with his natural mind. Instead, he made choices from a deeper place—a revelation anchored in His spirit. 

You may have heard well-meaning friends and family advise, “Just follow your heart.” This common counsel, however, contradicts what the Bible says about our heart—no one can understand it. It’s deceitful and beyond cure. Things we only understand in our head are no match for temptation. Besides that, our own desires are often in direct conflict with God’s will. However, there are things we can do to bring increased revelation and prevent relationship mistakes. 

Use the acronym HALT to remind yourself not to make decisions when you’re hungry, angry, lonely, or tired. Postpone decisions until you have a chance to get refreshed so you don’t give the devil a foothold.

You can also protect your vulnerabilities in other ways. Revelation comes with guarded focus so fill your schedule and remove unnecessary distractions. When we’re idle, we give the enemy a chance to strike, but purpose protects vulnerability. You might consider exercising, volunteering for a church or non-profit group, or taking a class to further your education. Satan waits for an opportune time to tempt you, but will leave you alone when you’re strong. 

It’s also helpful to find a focal point to fix your gaze. It might be a scripture, an encouraging thought, or a goal that you can concentrate on. A focal point in times of temptation draws your attention back to your resolve. 

We all need divine direction to guide us. God’s revelation helps us triumph over areas where we’ve failed in the past. Our struggles make us stronger and we experience a powerful principle—when we refuse temptation, it loses its power over us. 

How strong is your resolve? Take the quiz .