God, My Habit – 2

Apostle Grace Lubega 

2 Corinthians 5:14(KJV); For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:

There are people who are caught up in a bitter dance with ungodly habits. They never stray too far from the fires of temptation and the devil is rarely moved when they have a period of relief from the torment of addiction. He knows that he can take them captive at his own will because they are fluent in the language of opposing themselves (2 Timothy 2:25-26).

Why do they never walk out of these habits?

Contrary to scripture and to how God deals with us, they are constantly constraining themselves. Their diaries are littered with frustrated resolutions. January–stop drinking by avoiding my worldly friends. February–stop drinking by not taking the route with the bar. March–stop drinking by acquiring a new habit of taking only soft drinks at functions. In December, they will still be trying to stop drinking.

They are trying to constrain themselves. Our theme scripture reveals to us that it is the love of God that constrains us. We do not have the ability in ourselves to break away from these invisible chains. Until you understand and fully embrace God’s love and how He regards you, you will never walk out of sin. 

What is it about His love that breaks the chains of addiction? 

His love has the unparalleled ability to look at a man at his filthiest moment and see the treasure in earthen vessels; it sees the strength in your backbone when you feel spineless. 

Most importantly, His love is ever-present. Willpower may abandon you at critical moments. A resolution can be forgotten in the moment you needed to remember it the most. But even in the times when you feel like you are slipping into the slimy pit of a bad habit, love is always there ready to haul you out. 

You have tried self-help programs and failed. You have attended “Alcoholics Anonymous” sessions and have found no relief. For a short while, the rehab centre seemed to have changed you but you still feel like you are hovering over the abyss of temptation. Remember this, many things may fail but His love never fails.

FURTHER STUDY: 2 Timothy 2:25-26, 1 Corinthians 13

GOLDEN NUGGET: God’s love is ever-present. Willpower may abandon you at critical moments. A resolution can be forgotten when it most needs to be remembered. But even in the times when you feel like you are slipping into the slimy pit of a bad habit, love is always there ready to haul you out. 

PRAYER: Father, I thank You for loving me so unconditionally. I can never explain the depth of Your love towards me; the newness of Your mercy every day and the strength of Your spirit in me. Every day I choose to embrace Your loving grace because in you is victory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.