Addiction: Biblical Truths that Set You Free

By B&H Editorial Staff

When Only the Truth Will Do
Faced with real-life tests—whether to our reason or our reserves—we more easily doubt than believe, more quickly despair than trust.
But often our tentativeness to stand on the Word of God is less a lack of courage and more a lack of knowledge. We know what we’ve heard; we know what we’ve been told. But what’s the truth? What does the Bible really say? What can we grab onto by faith and never let go?
This book is an entire collection of biblical truth that deals with a specific area of life—a specific need, a specific topic, a specific place where questions have always seemed more prevalent than answers. But as each page attests, the Scripture will always provide a firm place to dig in and defend. Be sure of what’s true, and you’ll feel a lot more sure of the next step.
 

• Language: English
• Publisher: BH Publishing Group
• Release date: Aug 1, 2018
• ISBN: 9781535917759

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Copyright © 2018 by B&H Publishing Group

All Rights Reserved

Printed in the United States of America

978-1-5359-1774-2

Published by B&H Publishing Group

Nashville, Tennessee

Dewey Decimal Classification: 242.5

Subject Heading: DEVOTIONAL LITERATURE \ BIBLE—INSPIRATION \ MEDITATIONS \ PRAYERS

All Scripture quotations are taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.

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We live in a world of want. The average American is surrounded by wants and desires that can be met at a moment’s notice. If you’re hungry, there’s fast food. If you’re bored, there’s entertainment on demand. If you want relationships (friendly or romantic), there’s social media. In a world where we can have our needs met at the click of a mouse, the press of a button, or the swipe of a finger, addiction becomes prevalent. Addiction, however, is just a form of idolatry.

Some are more obvious. Most acknowledge that drugs, alcohol, and pornography are harmful; but there are some that are less obvious: food, technology, even relationships can become an addiction. Maybe you’re struggling with one of the more obvious idols. Maybe you’re struggling with one of the less. Whatever the addiction, you’ve picked up this book because you’re looking for a way out; and the only way through is by placing your trust and your cares upon Christ and diving into the Scriptures that have as prevalent a message today as when they were written. Allow the message of these Scriptures to encourage and equip you in overcoming whatever addiction ails you.

In the stages of grief, anger is the second step. The first thing that we do is deny that there is a problem, but before we ever get close to acceptance, we get angry. That’s one of the most common threads in the addiction story that we’ve all come to know. There’s a move from there’s not a problem, to a wrathful response, to acknowledgment of the problem. Anger is a natural response to addiction. We get angry at the fact that we even got into this whole mess in the first place, but we can’t stay there. Allow these verses to guide you in knowing that anger is not the place where we stop on the road to overcoming addiction.

Refrain from anger and give up your rage;

do not be agitated—it can only bring harm.

Psalm 37:8

A patient person shows great understanding,

but a quick-tempered one promotes foolishness.

Proverbs 14:29

A gentle answer turns away anger,

but a harsh word stirs up wrath.

Proverbs 15:1

But I tell you, everyone who is angry with his brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Whoever insults his brother or sister, will be subject to the court. Whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to hellfire.

Matthew 5:22

Be angry and do not sin. Don’t let the sun go down on your anger, and don’t give the devil an opportunity.

Ephesians 4:26–27

Lord, I am struggling with anger and resentment. I am angry that I’ve