Are you addicted to something? I believe that most of us, whether we admit to it or not, have some sort of compulsive behavior that we have little or no control over. It may be an overwhelming desire to eat, to shop, to gamble, to drink, or to view pornography. Sometimes it’s out-of-control emotions or battles with depression and anxiety. Whatever it is, the truth about these kinds of struggles is that they don’t get better by simply being aware of them, and beating yourself up over your “bad” behavior doesn’t help either.

You see, the only way to be healed from the habits and hangups that continually haunt you is upside down and counterintuitive, because as much as you want to take control, power up, make promises to yourself, and try harder, this is not the key to lasting change. On the contrary, in order to be delivered from your fleshly strongholds, you must be still and know that you are completely loved, even in your brokenness. Not until you internalize the truth that your problems don’t diminish your worth will you be set free from sin’s vice-grip. 

Friend, you are worthy of love and belonging. You are chosen, you are God’s beloved, and you are alive right now for a reason. In the eyes of your Creator, you are one of the most rare, beautiful, wonderful, and amazing things He ever designed, and He is proud of you. Far from being disappointed in your failures, He is cheering you on and His posture towards you is full of compassion and encouragement. Jesus is your friend and He wants to see your life soar; He is not angry at your shortcomings nor is He counting your sins against you. Receive the Lord of love today and allow His tender mercies and kindness to wash over every part of your life. In Him, there is no shame and you have nothing to fear! Isn’t that wonderful news?