(12-01-2013 03:55 AM)Sbom Wrote: Dear Lord, please provide the strength I need to quit drinking. I realize nothing good comes out of drinking and I only hurt those that I love. I am tired of the insecurities it brings out in me and the poor decisions that I make when drinking.
In Jesus name,
Amen
A good way to quit drinking would be to see what God thinks about it. If you feed your spirit with how God thinks (i.e. meditating on the bible) the Lord will provide you the strength you need to quit drinking. Proverbs is full of places where it sights drinking is wrong in ALL senses, whether casual or to get drunk. Many people have a misconception on "wine" used in the bible, although it is clear through careful study that wine can be either non-alcoholic juice or booze, depending on the word's association with "old" or "new." But, Proverbs is a great place to meditate and get a clear sense of what the bible has to say about drinking.
Proverbs 23:30-35
They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine. Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself alright. At the last biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder. Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things. Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of the mast. They have stricken me, shalt thou say, and I was not sick; they have beaten me, and I felt it not: when shall I awake? I will seek it yet again.
This particular passage reminds us all why an addiction, particularly alcohol is corrosive to our spiritual walk with God. It doesn't taste good, it causes us to be impulsive and wicked, and in the end, we have little memory of what happened---and we end up seeking it over and over.
I'm not trying to tell you something you don't already know or to be presumptuous, because I understand how difficult it is to give up something, like an addiction. But, when you change your thinking processes, it will help fight the cravings. Reciting these verses help clear your head and remind you why you don't do it any more. Another good thing to do, change your acquaintances/"friendships." It's very very hard to do, but you need to replace those around you who are not helping you to live sober. Many men in the bible fall because they had ungodly friends, like David's son (it also applies to women). You need to surround yourself with christians who will support you not only in word, but in deed. There are many christians who decide to drink, but not to excess, but I challenge you to pray for godly friends who have strong convictions against drinking. They will help you and won't tempt you to go around bars or places where you could fall.
Realistically, I can't tell you you'll never be tempted again. However, the Lord will not allow you to be tempted above what you can manage. I have a pastor has a strong conviction against drinking, but he gets in the flesh and still has thoughts that cross his mind. However, the Lord has brought him along so that it is not a temptation he would give in to.
I hope this helps you and doesn't come off as smug. I understand this is very difficult, but a good reference for you would be Romans 12:1-2 and Philippians 4:8. By changing your thinking and centering your life on Christ, you will be able to conquer the temptation of drinking. If you fall, get back up and keep pressing toward the mark. The Lord will help you if you're stayed on Him.
Hope this helps and good luck with your decision~
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