Overcoming Habitual SinSample

Freedom Starts Today

Adults and children alike count down the days to Christmas and other holidays in eager expectation. Brides and grooms-to-be keep countdowns on their phones for “the big day.” Holidays, weddings, and other calendar-marking events can make us feel that some days are more special than others. There are the days you mark on your calendars and look forward to, and then there are all the rest: the days you go to school, or work, or stay home to take care of your children. Maybe today is one of those unassuming days. Just another day. Business as usual. But what if it isn’t? What if today is the day you take a step toward freedom and the rest of your life?

Freedom can start today. If you’ve dealt with habitual sin for a long time, you might think that freedom is out of reach, but one step today is one step closer to the life of freedom you are called to in Christ. As you embrace the truths in the last two days of this devotional, and take time to examine the root desires behind your unwanted behaviors, you are well on your way to freedom.

As we come to the end of this plan, take this tool with you: when you face the temptation to return to habitual sin, choose to connect—not cope. Connecting looks like seeking connection with God through Bible reading, prayer, or worship. It also looks like sharing what you’re struggling with, what desires are going unmet, and being encouraged through healthy people in your life. Coping looks like numbing your unmet desires with sinful habits and patterns like pornography or overeating. The physiological side effects of sin can cause your mind to crave specific coping mechanisms (i.e. porn, food, gaming, etc.). When you seek to connect instead of cope, your mind can be rewired and cause you to crave new, life-giving things.

You may not realize this, but you were created on purpose for a purpose. Your sin might make you feel broken and messed up, but you are the handiwork of God. God has a plan for you. As you walk free from sin patterns and destructive behaviors, you’ll begin to see that plan come together—for God’s glory and your flourishing. You don’t have to wait another day to walk in purpose and freedom. Today is the day. Freedom starts now.

Thought of the Day: Today may not be a holiday, but it’s still a special day. Today, I am taking a step toward freedom. With God’s help, this step will be followed by many more. God is leading me towards His purposes for my life, and I am ready to follow.

For more help and resources on overcoming emotional and mental health struggles, check out resolutionmovement.org