...or that's what it feels like, at least.
For the past year, I have been battling the sin of lust. For someone who's never even had a boyfriend, homegirl sure does struggle. I've tried a lot of things, some of which help, like joining my local Celebrate Recovery group and getting rid of all the reading apps I had, and some which did not, like downloading a journaling app.
My phone is the latest in the line of causalities. I now have a flip phone.
Okay, Okay, so it's not quite that old. (I do have to push the #2 button three times to get a 'c' though, so there's that.)
It's been difficult, giving up my smart phone. I get lost visiting other cities now (I squint at a map, your local Indiana Jones impersonator), I can't google good places to eat, or check my email, or check facebook, or twitter, or the 'gram. Texting requires 3 to 4 business days, and if someone tries to add me to a group chat my phone, like the delicate lady from a previous time that she is, faints.
But... I'm happier. WAY happier. I have more time! I don't see depressing news! And, for the first time in several months, this is starting to feel like a fight that can be won.
So, other than the fact that I feel like Kim Possible every time I have to answer the phone, I'm doing okay. (And is that really a bad thing, anyways?) Any advice for how to live acoustically? Or tips you all have used on how to overcome sin?
(Oh, I forgot another struggle: my flip phone doesn't have a flashlight, which means foyers into the dark must now be made without the meager comfort of a phone flashlight. Things that go bump in the night: me)
Hey Clarissa!
I think you're doing amazing already! The Bible says that we should flee youthful lusts. What you're doing is exactly what is being asked of us to do.
It's not easy and the devil wants to constantly remind you of the convenience of your phone, but use every one of those opportunities to remind yourself of just how convenient sin was when you had it.
You've seen that getting rid of your phone was a step that you needed to take, so you've done well by taking that step.
Just remember that your phone, friends, and outside influence aren't the only things that need to either be cut off or refined in your life. Whatever other input the devil has used to tempt you into sin may still be there.
Fleeing isn't just taking those things out of your life, but truly giving your struggles over to God. God sees the struggles that you're enduring because of your obedience to Him in making an effort to flee from sin. Know that.
In 2 Timothy 2:22, God uses Paul to remind Timothy [and all of us] that He wants us to flee youthful lusts (monetary, sexual, ). As with anything in life, we cannot fight evil and temptation on our own. So call on Jesus' name everytime you get tempted. Ask Him to deliver you from the devil's lies and persuasions. Every. Single. Time. Don't try to see if you can "stand this time", because more often than not, you'll end up disappointed. Remember, demons cannot stand the name of Jesus.
So, next time the thought/temptation even forms in your mind to sin and you want to (return to your vomit - 2 Peter 2:22), call on Jesus' Name. Rebuke that sin in Jesus' Name. Cry out to Him (verbally or mentally) to help you. He will save you.
Also, fill your time with other things. I don't know if you've ever heard the saying "The devil loves idle hands". You've probably noticed that it's when you have nothing to do, are bored, or your mind is wandering during work or even your one-on-one time with God, that the devil tries to tempt you, bring up your past, or get you to break away from understanding and meditating on the Word. In addition to calling on Jesus' Name, fill your time with things that glorify God and the work that He's called you to do. Of course the Bible tells you to rest, so don't forget to do that too. But even in the times where you plan to rest, mark out that time and what you want to use it for (reading, painting, playing games, etc.). You can even play worship (instrumental, etc.) in the back while you rest.
Regardless of what you do, remember that you can't do it alone and know that God is not only interested in your battles, but He wants to fight them for you; your battles belong to Him (Exodus 14:14, 2 Chronicles 20:15). You are not alone. Talk to Him about your struggles and watch Him deliver you from them in His due time.
This link may also be very useful to you: https://www.intouchaustralia.org/read/daily-devotions/flee-youthful-lusts
Sameeee! I really struggle with that too, and though lust is a sin, God also DESIGNED us with Romantic desires and (yik) hormones, so make sure you aren't mixing the two up, they can be easily blended together but try and veiw this from what God teaches us. When God created Adam he told him to name all the creatures/animals, each kind had a partner, and Adam saw that he did not have a partner, and god seeing his need put him under a deep sleep and made Eve from Adam's rib. God sees our needs and knows what we are going through, he cares so much, and if you ask him to bring you peace and patience with being single, he hears your prayers. Also that is amazing how much work you've done that is amazing!!! I really want a flip phone now TvT