Freedom From Addiction Sample

Addiction warps our perspective and leads us to believe that our addictive actions offer us some freedom when, in reality, addiction creates spiritual and physical bondage. We each have free will—God’s gift to us allowing us to choose how we will act. But we can be deceived and misuse free will; I certainly did. Through addiction, the devil lies to us telling us that drugs and alcohol can liberate us, but rather than free us, addiction only enslaves us.

As I began to establish some separation from addiction, I gained clarity, and I began to realize the significant distinction between free will and real freedom. I am indeed free to do what I want, but if I’m using my free will and I’m in bondage to sin, am I free?

Real freedom is when we know we can do whatever we want, but we consciously choose to follow God and live according to His ways.

Romans 6:18 tells us, “And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.” Choosing God and obeying His ways allows us to remove the chains of sin and addiction. It binds us to Him in love—that is the Good News.

The power of His Spirit sets us free, and one of the fruits of His Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23) is self-control. When His Spirit is present in our lives, we live empowered and free from the bondage of addiction. God did not create us to be addicts and alcoholics. His plan for our life was that we live in His freeing presence as we are increasingly transformed into the image of Christ.

Prayer Tip

Ask God to take you on a journey—ask Him to teach you how to live in His presence and to make it your lifestyle. Ask God to surround you with people who host His presence. Ask God to show you how to seek His presence through prayer and worship.

Action Step

Take 5-10 minutes daily, even now, and sit and focus on God. Thank Him for His love for you, and allow His presence to increase in you and around you. The more we can learn to sit and commune with Him, the more His freeing presence flows into our life.