In this devotional, we will learn the structures to put in place to deal with habits and addictions effectively.

James 1:22
New King James Version 
22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

All that you have learnt these past two days won’t matter if you don’t put them into practice. The Bible says if you are just a hearer, then you are deceiving yourself.

To fully overcome habits and addictions, you must put structures in place. You must be deliberate about your actions.

1. Be Accountable
Studies have shown that iniquity thrives in secrecy. The first step to freedom is acknowledgment. It might first be to yourself, “Yes, I have this problem”, and then to someone who can help you.

It is even scriptural to be accountable to someone in the faith about your struggles.

Galatians 6:1-2
New King James Version 
1 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.

2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

James 5:16 
New King James Version
16 Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

As believers, we are instructed by Scripture to bear one another’s infirmities, to help restore those who have been overtaken by any trespass.

If you’re struggling with a habit or addiction, it is not wise to keep it to yourself because of shame or pride. It is far more beneficial to be accountable to someone you can trust, who can guide you in wisdom and in the way of God.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
New King James Version
9 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor.

10 For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up.

Accountability is important. When you are accountable, you become less prone to falling back into old habits. This is something even the devil is aware of. Relapsing into habits and addictions while shying away from accountability only gives those habits room to grow.

It’s one of the enemy’s tactics, but we are not ignorant of his devices. Get accountable to someone who can strengthen you, pray for you, encourage you, and support you on your journey to freedom.

2. Flee from Triggers
1 Thessalonians 5:22
New King James Version
22 Abstain from every form of evil.

Fleeing or staying away from the triggers of your past habits and addictions isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of wisdom and strength.

It’s not about proving, “I’ve grown and moved on.” Most of the time, it’s wiser to stay away.

For example:
If your phone is your addiction and keeping it beside you in the morning is what triggers endless scrolling on Instagram, then charge your phone somewhere else. By the time you even consider standing up to pick it, you may say to yourself, “Let me pray first.” That’s structure.

3. Replace, Don’t Just Remove
You can’t just remove a bad habit and leave an empty space. If you don’t intentionally replace it, something else will take its place.

Ephesians 4:22-24
New King James Version
22 that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, 

23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 

24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.

If you used to wake up and check Instagram, replace it with opening your Bible app.

If you used to isolate yourself when sad, replace it with calling an accountability partner or praying.

If your habit was pornography, replace the triggers with the word, worship or even exercise.

Have a finite prayer and study structure.

4. Create the Right Environment
No matter how hard you try, if you plant an orange seed in a cup of water, it will never grow. In the same way, if you create the right environment, those past habits will not be able to thrive.

If you are addicted to pornography, stay away from movies, videos, and posts that can trigger you. Instead, replace them with something productive. Starve your flesh.

If it’s masturbation and being alone triggers it, avoid isolation.

If it’s always being on your phone, replace that habit with reading the Bible, listening to edifying podcasts, or other Spirit-fed activities.

Creating the right environment also involves having the right company.

1 Corinthians 15:33
New King James Version 
33 Do not be deceived: Evil company corrupts good habits.

Galatians 5:16
New King James Version
16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.

This means planting yourself in the right community of believers; friends who mirror who you aim to become, people who strengthen your progress, build your faith, and support your growth in Christ.

So, I charge you, dear believer, overcoming habits and addictions is not impossible. You have the help of the Spirit. Even if these structures seem human and effort-driven, you can ask the Holy Spirit for help. He’s not only present for “spiritual things”, but He’s also involved in every aspect of your life.

Prayer Point
From today, I become intentional about overcoming habits and addictions. I set my heart on the things of God. I receive wisdom for accountability. I flee from every appearance of sin, and my life is better for it.