Addiction comes in many forms – a dependence on something other than God to meet your needs and satisfy your cravings. It could be food or entertainment, unhealthy or unholy relationships, an unbalanced need for love or acceptance, or a reliance on drugs, alcohol, or – can I say it – even caffeine. We excuse. We rationalize. We cover up. We deny. But deep within we sense a Holy Spirit prompting that our lives aren’t quite right. We aren’t quite our own. Something else is driving our lives and ultimately, controlling our future. Do you want to be free? Jesus was well aware of the yokes of the world, the bondage that breeds weariness, the burdens that weigh down our lives. He spoke to that bondage when He said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest...” (Matthew 11:28 NIV)
He offered a better way to live, a life under His lordship. “For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:30) But taking on His yoke means putting off another. Putting off the things of the world, or as the writer in Hebrews tells us, throwing off “everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.” (Hebrews 12:1) Easier said than done, right? The key is in the next verse. “And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” There are many good programs that can help you break free. A Christian counselor, your pastor or an understanding friend can help you walk the pathway towards freedom. I encourage you to seek the help and support you need on your freedom journey. But ultimately, breaking free from addiction – no matter what kind it is, depends upon you. It depends on a conscious decision to fix your eyes on Jesus – to set your hope on the One who can demolish every yoke on your life. Jesus is still the answer. I like how one Bible version describes Him in that same verse in Hebrews, “Jesus, thechampion who initiates and perfects our faith.” (Hebrews 12:2 NLT italics mine) Jesus is cheering you on. As your champion, He has defeated every opponent in your life. He has made a way for you to win. There is an anointing oil from God that can break and demolish every yoke on your life. Years ago, God’s people were under heavy bondage to the Assyrians. The Israelites were desperate to be free from the yoke of their enemy. The prophet Isaiah proclaimed God’s deliverance when he told them, “... the yoke will be destroyed because of the anointing oil.” (Isaiah 10:27 NKJV) There is an anointing from God to free you. There is healing from God to deliver you today. Set your eyes on Jesus and receive His help – God’s divine deliverance. Whatever you are craving, whatever is keeping you in bondage, here is my prayer for you:
May you be free. Receive God’s anointing oil now. Let the Champion of your life demolish the strongholds of addiction so you can throw off the yokes of the world. Take on Jesus’ yoke and live. “You anoint my head with oil...” Psalm 23:5 NIV Read more: Isaiah 61:1-3 Jeremiah 8:22 Matthew 11:28-30 Psalm 51:12 Psalm 23:5 Photo by averie woodard on Unsplash
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Laura WoodworthWhat’s your dream? I pray you will be inspired and encouraged to pursue all God has for you. Now, more than ever, we need people of faith to go, do and become the light for the world. Categories
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