Prepare to Quit Alcoholಮಾದರಿ

Galatians 5:1 (ESV): “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.”

Mindful Minute: Many of us understand the word freedom to mean a personal independence that is individual to each of us. For those of us in the United States, it has more of a political meaning ascribed to the words “land of the free.” We attribute to it the sense of being able to make whatever decision we want, wherever we want and whenever we want. This interpretation is correct on some levels, as God has granted us the freedom to make our own choices, despite His broken heart when we turn away from Him. We can choose Him or not choose Him. We have the freedom to choose sin or say “no” to sin. We can walk away from God and ignore His biblical guidance, or we can choose to follow Him and obey His loving instructions.

The freedom discussed in this Galatians verse is a different type of freedom, though. Since we live in a world that is the domain of the prince of the power of the air (refer to Day 2 of this devotional), and because our earthly bodies are subject to sinful desires, our freedom of choice can and does lead us to negative consequences, depending on the activities and behaviors we engage in. In John 8:34 (ESV), Jesus tells us, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin.” Because of this substance called alcohol, you already understand the truth of Jesus’ words in this verse because of the psychological slavery this choice has caused you. We want freedom from THIS consequence. This freedom can only be found in Christ and through the acceptance of the work He did on the cross. It is then that sin loses its power over us. We are free from the consequences of sin through repentance and the forgiveness that is granted in return. We have found freedom from the wages of sin, that is death (Romans 6:23). We have been guaranteed eternal life (John 3:16)! That is the freedom that is recognized in this verse.

Because of this, in preparing to quit, we need to acknowledge that this habit has created psychological slavery in our lives just as was told to us in John 8:34. Continuing to engage in it will keep us in continued bondage. Christ has set us free, but we need to choose this freedom. We need to choose Him, and we need to choose to be obedient to experience this freedom. Use the wisdom of this verse to create a picture of yourself being freed from the psychological slavery of this habit. Get excited about the vision because God has a much better plan for you! Remember, you have the power of the Holy Spirit to help you through.

Prayer: Thank you, Father, for this gift of freedom. There is nothing more I desire than the freedom from the psychological slavery I am experiencing. I desire to experience the freedom you promise me. I desire the peace and joy that only your freedom can give me. Please give me the power, through the Holy Spirit, to develop this vision for myself that you see in me so I can experience what you have promised. In Jesus name, amen.

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Congratulations on completing 5 days of reflection as you prepare to take the courageous step of putting alcohol aside! We hope these reflections have helped strengthen your resolve and encouraged you to begin the journey toward freedom. A life free from psychological slavery opens the door for God to reveal a much better plan for your life. Many life-giving gifts await you as you persevere through this challenge by following Jesus and His Word. Explore additional resources below to help you successfully prepare for this journey, and blessings to you as you take these first transformative steps toward a life free from alcohol.

• Learn More About the CHOOSE FREEDOM PROGRAM
• Purchase The Plans He Has For Me Daily Devotional