I Can't Do This! - How to Overcome AddictionSample

# The Unseen Chain Maybe you're new to the idea of 'breaking chains' or maybe you've grown up around this language, either way, sometimes it can feel a little too ethereal when all we want is something tangible. We want something we can relate to, something we can understand. By no means am I a scientist but I've learnt a few significant things about our brains. Without venturing into too much detail they contain particular chemicals and pathways designed to help us feel, learn and remember. As we become addicted to something we begin rewiring those pathways and training our brains to act and respond in ways they were never intended to. As the enjoyment of our addiction subsides, our brains still remember what it used to feel like and the hunger to have that again continues, despite the negative impact it can have. One of the Holy Spirit's titles in the Bible is 'Counsellor'. Jesus explains to His disciples that He will send the Counsellor to guide you into all truth (John 14:16-17). He is the best Counsellor because he remains with you every moment of every day, always ready to remind you of the truth. When we begin a relationship with Jesus, we're given a completely new status, one that says 'free'. However, just because that's what we are, it doesn't mean we automatically think that way. Addiction has trained your brain to think a certain way. We need the Spirit to remind us of the Scriptures, which will most likely happen when we are immersed in them. Romans 12:2 says, "Be transformed by the renewing of your mind." We've been set free, but to start living in that reality means thinking differently and thinking in a way of a free person which we learn from the Bible. The truth of God's Word is powerful, more powerful than we might know. It's essential to read and re-read His Word daily and allow it to begin re-aligning our mindset and thought life with the truth of His Word and not the chains of addiction. In His grace, He's also gifted people like counsellors and therapists with incredible skills to help on a practical level to re-write those chemical pathways. Response: As you read the Bible daily, ask the Spirit to break the chemical pathways formed in your mind and to re-align them with His truth. Tomorrow we'll look at the second chain that stops us from overcoming in Jesus.