Many of us have addictions, tendencies and desires that get out of hand. At first we try to say they don't exist. We think we can handle them all by ourselves. We may even have beaten them down for short periods of time. They keep coming back.
For some reason we think we must sail our little boats through the storms alone. We were not created to be alone. We were created to depend upon each other. We were created to love others enough to help them when they need it. Others were created to do the same for us.
Even from the Garden of Eden, God said it was not good for the man to be alone. God created a helper for him. Marriage itself is a picture of God's provision of others for help. The pre-fallen man who had God's presence was still in need of help from another human being. Yet, it was God who said that it was not good that man was alone. Adam didn't know of the possibility. He was trying to make it on his own.
The first step in getting help is admitting that you have a problem and all that you have done is not working. The fact that it is not working is the problem. You can decide that you will put more effort into it. That may work. Eventually a problem becomes a crisis and we realize we can't handle it. We don't have to wait that long but we generally do.
Maybe we are ashamed of our problem.
No one may know you have a problem. The problem may be pornography which you have been hiding for some time. You are ashamed of the problem. You are afraid of what others will think of you. You are afraid you won't be allowed around children again. You are afraid of those you will hurt. Each of these is a legitimate fear but fears must be conquered or they will rule your life. You must seek out and get help.
Maybe you don't know where to get help.
Our church has AA and NA groups. Some of the attenders are members of our church. I am glad we provide this help. I am glad those who attend have sought help. They are helping each other with their own addictions. I pray for their victories.
Our church is providing a financial management course in January. It is designed to help people get out of debt and manage their money better. It should help them save money and live better lives. I am praying that people will get help.
You can google your situation and find help if you really need it. I'll bet there is a group that will help you nearby no matter where you live. If not, there are certainly online groups.
Maybe you are afraid of another failure.
I can understand this. I was afraid of another weight loss failure. I was afraid of a program that doesn't work. I was afraid of cheating on the program itself. I had to commit my situation to God. I had to believe that I not only can do all things through Christ who strengthens me but will do this through Christ who will give me the strength. I had to believe that God wanted me to have a stellar witness for Him. I had to believe I was honoring His Name by doing so.
I have learned something very important after years of being overweight. I can get help when I have a problem greater than I can handle alone.
So, I say to you: Please get help when you need it. You weren't intended to make it alone on this earth. There is someone or some group or some program that will help you.
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