Addiction doesn't define you.

"I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand." Psalm 40:1-2

Addiction can leave you feeling ashamed, stuck, or beyond repair. No matter how far you feel you’ve fallen, God’s grace reaches farther. Healing doesn’t happen overnight, and it doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens in safe places, with honest conversations, supportive community, and practical steps toward freedom. New Chapel is committed to being that kind of place—a place where you can be real about your pain and courageous about your recovery.

Addiction is experienced through a pattern of poor choices, but the root

of addiction is much more complicated. Addiction is a disease, and it can happen to anyone. It emerges from an unhealthy relationship between the mind, choices, environment, and experiences. Addiction causes us to use something in an unhealthy way. Usually, addictions are divided into two categories–physical and behavioral. Physical addictions include alcohol

and drug addiction. Behavioral addictions are similar but include repeated actions like gambling, social media, shopping, working too much, food, pornography, and countless other compulsive behaviors.

Many of us facing an addiction look at our current situation and don’t know how we got to such a desperate place. It’s hard to see how, one little step at a time, we got so far off track and out of control. But the truth is, if we were to comb through our past, we would likely find some common threads that led us to addiction. Before we talk about overcoming addiction, let’s find out how they start. Addictions often begin when we:

  1. Get hurt
  2. Justify our actions
  3. Do whatever we want to do
  4. Hide our mistakes
  5. Depend on our own strength to overcome any challenges we face.

Just as we have followed a path to get into our current situation, there are also a few steps we can take to start climbing out. Here are five keys to fighting your way out of any addiction.


1. Depend on God’s power. Apart from God, you don’t have what it takes. That kind of thinking is what got you into this mess. But in your weakness, He is strong. So put on God’s armor, and fight with His weapons because you’re fighting a spiritual battle.


  • 2. Check yourself before you wreck yourself. We all have our own personal Holy Helper: the Holy Spirit. Before you do something that feels potentially sketchy, check your spirit with the Spirit. The Holy Spirit literally enters our being to help us in our weakness and empower us to push back darkness. You are never alone when you face temptation. 
  • The Holy Spirit is not only with you—He is in you.

  • 3. Admit weakness. Is lust an issue for you? Tell someone. Do you work too much? Admit it. Are you feeling broken, lonely, overwhelmed, or just plain tired? Don’t tough it out. Ask for help. When we try to cover weakness with strength, our strength is not enough, and we end up self-medicating with the wrong things. Invite God and people into your weakness. That’s where real strength comes from.

  • 4. Go public. You know what grows in the dark? Nothing good. You know what life brings? Life. Just by going public with your heaviest, darkest secrets, they become lighter. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Talk to someone you trust such as a friend, Pastor, counselor, or your small group.

  • 5. Start the Bible Plan A Way Out. If you’re fighting addiction, you need to dig your heels into God’s truth. 
  • A way out will take you through two weeks of God’s power to set you free. Start it today.


    • 6. Prayer. Addiction can feel like it’s taking over your life, but your addiction doesn’t define you. 

    Before you begin praying, here are a few truths to hold on to:

    • God loves you deeply. You are not your addiction, and your story isn’t over.
    • You’re not alone. Many others are walking this recovery journey, and God’s presence goes with you.
    • Healing takes time, but it’s possible. God’s Word reminds us:

    Let these prayers be a place where you can bring your whole self: your struggle, your desire for freedom, your hope for a brighter future. And as you pray, know that God is listening.

       - A Short Prayer for Addiction Recovery

         "Dear God, I’m tired, but I still want freedom from my addiction. Help me trust in Your healing power and take my            next step today. In Jesus’ name, amen."


       - A Prayer for Addiction Help

         "Dear God, I know I fall short, but I know Your grace is more than enough. Please help me find freedom, healing,                and peace. Show me ways to move forward, and help me resist temptation. Give me the courage to keep going,              and bring healing to my heart. In Jesus’ name, amen."


       - A Prayer to Overcome Alcohol Addiction

         "Heavenly Father, my alcohol addiction problem feels too big, but I trust Your power is greater. Help me find peace,          courage, and spiritual healing today. Surround me with healthy relationships and lead me toward recovery. In                    Jesus’  name, amen."


       - A Prayer for a Family Member Struggling With Addiction

         "Father, I lift up my loved one to You—please bring healing to their body, mind, and soul. May they feel the Holy                Spirit drawing them toward freedom and a deeper connection with You. Help me love without shame and be a                source of peace and spiritual support. In Jesus’ name, amen.


       - A Prayer of Gratitude for Progress

         "Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for every step forward in this addiction recovery journey. I’m grateful for Your love,         for freedom, and for hope that grows daily. Help me remain steadfast and find joy in Your presence. In Jesus’ name,         amen."


       - A Prayer for Ongoing Freedom and Joy

         "Dear God, keep me close to You as I choose recovery each day. Let my life bear witness to Your power and bring              hope to others. Fill me with peace and a desire to live in Your love. In Jesus’ name, amen."


       - A Prayer for Sobriety

        "Dear Heavenly Father, today, I choose sobriety—one moment, one decision at a time. Help me resist temptation              and remember that my freedom is found in You. Strengthen my desire to live fully in Your light and peace. 

          In Jesus’  name, amen."

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