Introduction

Addiction is a mental health problem because it involves changes in brain function and behavior, leading to loss of control, cravings, and negative consequences. It affects the brain’s reward system and often co-occurs with other mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, or trauma-related conditions. It can have severe consequences on a person’s relationships, work or school performance, and physical health. Addiction is recognized as a complex mental health issue that requires understanding, support, and appropriate treatment. However, as Christians, we must understand this problem and, through God’s guidance and wisdom, find ways to overcome it. Addiction has three stages, and through the Book of Psalms, we can find ways to overcome each one.

Three Stages of Addiction

1. Stage One: Pain (Psalm 13:1-6) – Addiction usually starts with deep anguish and pain over something or someone. It may involve questioning God, asking why He has forgotten and hidden His face. A person may feel overwhelmed with sorrow and may feel that his “enemies” (whoever or whatever they are) have triumphed over him. But he must learn to trust in God’s steadfast love and salvation. He can sing praises to God, acknowledging His goodness and faithfulness, in spite of his pain. He can find hope and comfort in God’s enduring love if he relies on Him completely.

2. Stage Two: Pleasure (Psalm 63:1-5) – Once a person starts to use some kind of “drug” to overcome his pain (and there are many alternatives), he will experience some form of pleasure. He may conclude that this actually solves his problem. But it is lie from the evil one. The truth is that what he is experiencing is a deep longing and thirst for God in his soul. Apart from God, his soul will remain dry, as if he is in a weary land, where there is no water. Once he realizes that, he can pursue an earnest search for God instead, acknowledging that God’s steadfast love is better than life itself. The pursuit of God and finding ultimate pleasure and fulfillment in His presence is the better alternative.

3. Stage Three: Prison (Psalm 107:10-16) – A person will find himself imprisoned or enslaved to various kinds of addictions because of his rebellion and transgressions against God’s will. He will experience affliction, darkness, and bondage as a result. He will suffer, and his soul will become faint within him. However, if and when he cries out to the Lord in his imprisonment, God will hear his prayers and deliver him from captivity. God will break the bonds and gates of his imprisonment, setting him free. God has the power to do this. But he must trust God and cooperate with Him through the process.

Conclusion

1. Central Idea – “When you work out your salvation, God will deliver you from addiction.”

2. We must learn to acknowledge the pain that we are experiencing and cooperate with God, who wants to set us free from the lies of the enemy. The real solution is God and His work in our souls, not any form of addiction.

3. This week, be attentive to what you are feeling. If you feel any kind of pain or distress, consider that a signal to draw near to God in order to find your true pleasure in Him.

Discussion

1. Try to observe those who become addicted to something. How true are the three stages in their case?

2. What have you realized about addiction in this sermon?

3. What would you do differently from now on?