The Mended Rib: A 27-Day Devotional for Men Battling Lust and InfidelitySample

Trigger Warning!

One of the most crucial steps in overcoming lust and infidelity is identifying the specific triggers that pull you into temptation. These triggers can be emotional—like stress, loneliness, or anger; situational—such as websites, social media, or particular environments; or relational—specific interactions with certain people. Recognizing these triggers is essential because once you do, you can take proactive steps to either avoid them or respond in healthier ways. This process is not just about avoiding temptation but about transforming how you respond by renewing your mind with God's Word.

For me, recognizing my own triggers involved paying attention to the moments when my mind would wander, especially when I felt the urge to watch pornography. Movies or TV shows with sexually explicit content, the explore page on social media, certain music, and even music videos featuring certain artists were my biggest triggers. Once I identified these, I knew I had to set clear boundaries to help me avoid falling into temptation again.

Managing these triggers requires a proactive approach. Every morning, I make it a point to surrender my day to the Lord in prayer. I ask for His guidance and protection over my marriage and for the ability to see others through His eyes, loving them appropriately. By starting my day in this posture, I am better prepared to resist temptation as it arises. Preparing for the battle before it even begins is the key—not waiting for a temptation to strike and scrambling to respond after the fact.

Challenge

Today, take note of when and why you feel tempted. Identify your emotional, environmental, or relational triggers and find alternative ways to respond that honor God.

Prayer

Lord, help me to identify the triggers in my life that lead me to sin. Give me wisdom to respond differently and strength to turn to You when temptation comes. Amen.