Sorting Out Soft Addictions

 Soft addictions are habits or behaviors we use to control distressing moods or thought patterns.  They satisfy a shallow want but ignore or block a deeper need.  They numb us to feelings we don’t like or are unfamiliar with.  They substitute a superficial high for genuine feelings of accomplishment.  God does not want us to lean on these temporary supports.  He wants us to acknowledge the truth about our real needs.  When we are willing to deal with reality and seek God, He promises to strengthen us and hold us steady. 

 Soft addictions are formed through the misuse of ordinary things such as cell phones or excess sleeping, eating, shopping, work, or exercise. We must be radically honest about the underlying root of our behaviours – all of them – not just those that are easily labeled “addictions and dependencies”.  Asking ourselves some simple questions can help us recognize if something we are doing has become a soft addiction. 

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.  Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. (Romans 12:2 NLT)

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, Help me to recognize any way I am misusing things that are in theory good, but are a substitute for me to avoid dealing with my negative feelings.  I ask you to heal those places in me that cause pain. My desire is to follow You in all my ways.  Amen