When You Slip Back To Old Habits - The Battle of Addiction

John Fisch
2 hours ago
3 min read

Scripture:

“Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.”

-Proverbs 28:13

Additional Reading: 1 John 1:9; Isaiah 1:16–18; Psalm 103:12; 1 Corinthians 6:18–20; Ephesians 5:18; 2 Corinthians 7:10; Micah 7:8; 1 Corinthians 10:13

Intro:

Addiction often carries a double weight—the struggle itself and the shame that follows it. Many people quietly wrestle with habits they wish they could leave behind: alcohol, drugs, immorality, or patterns that once felt manageable but slowly gained control. In a culture where addiction is common, falling into these struggles can feel isolating, even for believers.

When failure happens, the question is not if God will respond—but how we respond to Him.

When Old Sin Comes Back to You

Scripture does not tell us to hide when we slip. It calls us to confess and renounce sin. Confession is not self-condemnation; it is agreeing with God about what sin truly is (1 John 1:9). When we call sin what God calls it, we step into truth instead of denial.

But confession alone is not the end. Repentance follows. Repentance is not simply remorse—it is change. It is a turning away from sin and a turning back toward God (Isaiah 1:16–18). Godly sorrow leads to life, not shame or despair (2 Corinthians 7:10).

Once forgiveness is given, we are called to receive it. God does not ask His children to punish themselves. He asks them to trust the finished work of Christ. Through Jesus, our sins are removed completely—far beyond our reach (Psalm 103:12). Because of Him, the old life no longer defines us. We are new in Christ (1 Corinthians 6:18–20; Ephesians 5:18).

Fleeing from sin is not weakness. It is obedience. When we fall, it grieves the Holy Spirit—but that grief is meant to lead us back to repentance, not to hopelessness. And because we belong to God, we do not stay down. “Though I have fallen, I will rise” (Micah 7:8).

Addiction gains ground when we listen to the enemy. But God is faithful. We are never tempted beyond what is common to mankind, and He always provides a way out (1 Corinthians 10:13).

This journey is not easy. But this is true:

Jesus loves you—and He is not finished with you.

Reflection Questions

When you fall into old patterns, do you tend to hide in shame or bring your struggle honestly before God?

Have you confused repentance with self-punishment instead of true heart change?

What step of obedience is God calling you to take today?

Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus,

I come to You honestly and without hiding. I confess my sin and the ways I have tried to carry this on my own. I ask You to change my heart, not just my behavior. Thank You for Your mercy, Your patience, and the forgiveness You secured on the cross when I could not save myself. Thank You for seeing me when I felt invisible—when I was overlooked, ashamed, and struggling in silence. When temptation feels strong and I feel weak, help me turn away from what enslaves me and walk forward in the freedom You have already given. Strengthen me by Your Spirit, guide my steps, and help me live in obedience, one day at a time.

In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.