Prayer To Avoid Harmful and Destructive Behaviours

As I was reviewing topics we’d spoken about and prayed about it seemed time once again to speak a bit and consider how we might be straying towards destructive and addictive behaviours.  We often think that addictions are limited to drugs and alcohol, but we are coming to know there are many other substances and practices which we use to cover our feelings of pain.  Food and money, for example are two common problem areas in the live of many who wouldn’t necessarily identify themselves as having an addiction problem.

Listen to me, my children!  Be wise and have enough sense to follow the right path. Don’t be a heavy drinker or stuff yourself with food. It will make you feel drowsy, and you will end up poor with only rags to wear. Give up trying so hard to get rich. Your money flies away before you know it, just like an eagle suddenly taking off. Proverbs 23:19-21

The truth is that whenever we seek to sort out or avoid our feelings with anything other than the comfort and healing of God, we only create a path for continued suffering.  God knows what we need in every area of our life and He promises to take care of us if we will come to Him first and let Him work out His will in each situation. 

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.  The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me? Jesus said: Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Matthew 6:33, Hebrews 13:6, Matthew 11:28

As we’ve said before, life in the isolation of these months of the pandemic has created conditions that make it easy for many of us to slide towards destructive dependencies.  One of the mindsets that leads to these behaviours is when we to get what we want when we want it, regardless of the impact on others.  We had less checks and balances on this with all the time we spent in our own homes for such a long time and we need to continue to invite God to help us be aware of ways

we need to consider others and listen to others. 

Share each other’s troubles and problems, and in this way obey the law of Christ. The way of foolish people seems right to them. But those who are wise listen to advice. Foolish people are easily upset. But wise people pay no attention to hurtful words. An honest witness tells the truth. But a dishonest witness tells lies. The words of thoughtless people cut like swords. But the tongue of wise people brings healing. Galatians 6:2, NLT, Proverbs 12:15-18

Since we become like the company we keep, it is important to have friends we respect and who are modeling the qualities of honesty, perseverance, and accountability.  These friends, who have chosen to walk in the ways of God, will challenge us to get the help we need as we move forward.  

When we are made aware of our shortcomings, we need friends who will support us as we adjust our attitude and behaviour towards others.  They will encourage us to become a person who shares and cares about others.  So let’s invite God to show us our heart and help us to avoid drifting into destructive thinking and behaving.

Heavenly Father, We come and present our lives, past, present, and future to you.  We want to live for you.  We want to live in the safety of your love.  Heal us from those things in our past that impact our relationships today.  We’re so glad your grace is stronger than anything that’s wounded me. 

Teach us how to walk with you in love so we can walk with others in balance.  Forgive us for living beyond healthy boundaries and give us the desire, the courage, and the strength to follow you each day. 

We know there are so many things in life that we don’t understand and don’t know how to sort out on our own.  Help us to listen to the voice of Your Holy Spirit today that exposes ways we are drifting into self-centered thinking and behaving that so quickly becomes destructive to our own well-being and to our relating with Your heart and perspective in our relationships.  Give us the strength not to run from the truth, even if it is painful, but rather to reach out to you for the comfort and healing we need. 

We want to embrace Your plan for our daily lives.  Help us to be accountable to Your word and listen to the guidance and counsel of good friends.  Help us to love others and care for them as You love and care for us.  Jesus, you are the way, the truth, and the life.  We choose to follow you from this moment going forward.  Amen