Overcoming addiction often feels like a never-ending battle, even after following every practical step possible—joining forums, setting up accountability, and cutting out negative influences. But what if, after all those efforts, freedom still seems out of reach? That was my story for a long time. I eventually realised that while practical steps are crucial, they’re only part of the answer, i needed spiritual disciplines to overcome addiction. Addiction is a deeply rooted issue that needs to be fought on the right battlefield. And that battlefield, at its core, is spiritual.
In this post, we’ll explore how spiritual disciplines, especially praise and worship, help address addiction at its root. These practices don’t just change your actions—they change your heart and focus.
Finding the Root Cause of Addiction
Understanding the origins of your addiction is the first practical step toward real healing. Addiction is often rooted in deep, hidden reasons, whether trauma, unfulfilled desires, or attempts to escape reality. Identifying these can help you better approach spiritual disciplines because you’ll know the specific wounds you’re addressing.
Reflection: Is your addiction rooted in unresolved pain, stress, or a search for acceptance? Reflecting on these can shed light on the direction of your spiritual battle.
Addiction as Slavery: A Biblical Perspective
Addiction isn’t just a habit or a weakness; it’s slavery. You can’t always do what you want to do because you feel trapped in a cycle of behaviors you despise but can’t break. When I read Romans 7, where Paul talks about doing what he hates, it felt like he was talking directly to me. It was a comfort to realize I wasn’t alone in this struggle—Paul’s words validated my experience. If even the greatest apostles felt enslaved by sin, there’s hope for all of us.
“For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing.” — Romans 7:19
Paul reminds us that we are not alone in the struggle, and more importantly, that the answer lies in God’s power, not ours.
The Power of Praise and Worship
In my journey to freedom, one verse kept coming back to me:
“Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation.” – Psalm 42:5
This verse is repeated in Psalms 42 and 43, each time in a context of despair and struggle. The Psalmist, even in darkness, keeps returning to praise. Reading this, I realized that while prayer is essential, praise and worship are just as crucial—maybe even more. You can pray amiss, but praise is always on target.
When we worship, we shift our focus from our struggles to God’s power. This shift can break the chains of addiction because it fills our hearts with God’s truth and peace.
Recommended Songs for Worship
To help you in this practice, I suggest a few songs that have helped me immensely:
- Holy Spirit Carry Me Oh by Ebuka Songs
- Yeshua Hamashiach by Nathaniel Bassey
- Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) by Hillsong
- He Understands by Chandler Moore (from the album Feelings)
These songs remind me that God is close and ready to help even in moments of darkness. Worship shifts your heart from self-reliance to divine reliance, opening the door for healing.
The Power of Prayer: Cast Your Cares on Him
Scripture encourages us to bring our burdens to God in prayer:
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28
“Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you.” – Psalm 55:22
Prayers don’t have to be perfect. They just have to be real. Pour out your heart to God. Tell Him your struggles, your shame, and your desire for freedom. But remember, prayer isn’t just about asking for help. It’s also about finding strength and peace in His presence, knowing He hears you and is with you every step.
Meditation on God’s Word
Meditation on Scripture helps reinforce God’s truth in our lives. It’s about focusing your thoughts on His promises and allowing His words to shape your heart. Here are a few Scriptures to meditate on as you battle addiction:
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” – John 8:36
“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability.” – 1 Corinthians 10:13
These verses remind us that God’s freedom is not conditional—it’s complete and eternal. The more you meditate on these promises, the more your mind will align with God’s reality, empowering you to resist temptation.
Surround Yourself with Godly Influences
While practical steps like joining accountability groups are essential, they work best when the people around you encourage spiritual growth. If your friends aren’t helping you grow spiritually, it’s time to reconsider your circle. Joining a group that prioritizes faith can help keep you grounded and focused.
Maybe you are a loner and like to fly solo, so you don’t have to force yourself to join a group. There are many Godly influences around us. Some have even passed on, but we can still learn from them by reading their books, watching their shows, and listening to their sermons. I am talking about surrounding yourself with Christian resources from genuine men of faith.
External Resources for Further Support
Here are a few sites that offer support and guidance for those seeking to overcome addiction:
- Celebrate Recovery: A Christ-centered, 12-step program for anyone struggling with hurt, pain, or addiction of any kind.
- Desiring God: Resources on faith-based approaches to overcoming struggles, written by Christian leaders and scholars.
Guarding Your Mind: Protect Your Thoughts and Inputs
The battle against addiction is heavily influenced by what you feed your mind. Social media, TV shows, and conversations all shape your thoughts, either positively or negatively. If certain things trigger you, don’t hesitate to cut them out of your life. I found immense freedom when I took a break from social media and stopped watching certain shows. Protecting what you consume is one of the most powerful tools for sustaining a healthy mind.
Embrace the Journey and Remember: Freedom is a Lifelong Pursuit
Breaking free from addiction isn’t instant. It’s a journey, one that requires consistency, patience, and reliance on God. Like the Israelites who longed to return to Egypt, there will be times when you’re tempted to return to old habits. But just because the journey is hard doesn’t mean it isn’t worth it.
In Luke 11:24-26, Jesus warns about what happens when a demon leaves a person but later returns with seven other spirits, making the person worse than before. Addiction works similarly. Once free, you must guard your freedom vigilantly, relying on God’s strength daily to stay strong.
Conclusion: Find Strength in God and Sing Through the Dark
Remember, you’re not alone in this battle. You’re not the only one who has ever struggled with addiction, and you’re not the only one who can find freedom. But the freedom that lasts is the kind that comes from God. So, even in the darkest moments, sing praises. Lean into worship. Let your heart be anchored in God’s truth.
By focusing on spiritual disciplines and surrendering to God’s strength, you’ll find freedom that transcends any earthly strategies. You’ll find eternal freedom. And when those dark days come, when you feel like you’re losing ground, remember: it’s okay to sing in the dark.
For a deeper look into finding freedom and the strategies that work for both practical and spiritual battles, stay tuned for our upcoming post on fully breaking free from addiction.
