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.

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.  (Isaiah 41:10 NIV)

Soft addictions are formed through the misuse of ordinary things in life such as, our phones, sleeping, eating, shopping, work, or exercise. We have to 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 has become a soft addiction for us.

Are we engaging in an activity to improve our life and our relationships or are we simply trying to numb our feelings and let the world go by?  Are we conscious of God’s presence in us and around us as we participate in the activity or are we seeking satisfaction in it rather than from living in the truth? Do we believe we are serving God’s purposes in what we are doing or are we using the activity to comfort and distract us from feelings of discontent, loneliness, or anger?  These are some of the issues we need to consider as we determine whether the activity is healthy or 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 good things to avoid dealing with negative feelings.  I ask you to mend those places in me that cause pain. I want to follow You in all my ways.  Amen