Read Proverbs 27:20 and 23:31-35
“Just as Death and Destruction are never satisfied, so human desire is never satisfied.”
“Don’t gaze at the wine, seeing how red it is, how it sparkles in the cup, how smoothly it goes down. For in the end it bites like a poisonous snake; it stings like a viper. . .And you will say, ‘They hit me, but I didn’t feel it. I didn’t even know it when they beat me up.
When will I wake up so I can look for another drink?’”
Discover
1. What truth does each of these proverbs tell us about our desires?
2. What insight do you gain about why we indulge our desires with wrong things?
3. How does the second proverb show us that our eyes will lead us astray?
Respond
Addiction is usually treated from above, but we need to dig down deeper to the “why.” What problem is your addiction trying to solve? Instead of numbing pain with things like shopping, drinking, eating, entertainment. . .take a minute now and picture yourself taking your pain to God. Imagine Him responding to you in a way that you know to be true of His character – with empathy, love, and grace.
For Further Reading: You Cannot Handle Your Pain
*For more practical resources related to this week’s readings, visit tpcc.org/addiction.
**TPCC does not necessarily endorse all For Further Reading/Learning sources. They are simply meant to be a helpful tool.
For Families with Kids at Home
Is there anything standing in the way of you and your relationship with your kids right now? Spend time reflecting on your life, and confess if there’s anything that is currently up too much of your time and affection.