Danger of Backsliding
I’ve heard the term “backsliding” before & recently in church. In rehab (The Ranch), they talked about it too & how easy it is to fall back to the worldly life, especially with addicts. So, what is it? Backsliding is a relapse to wrong ways or bad habits. With Christians, backsliding also means that people turn around spiritually, moving away from God, not forward. I thought that it would be horrible for other people to backslide, but not me. I was wrong. After the car collision & my husband’s stay in the hospital, I noticed my bad habits came back fast. I started buying beer & wine again to cope with my anxiety. We stopped going to church & I quit the women's Bible study. I didn’t read my Bible anymore or do any devotional plans. I was going backwards & I knew it! I needed help. Thankfully, I’ve the support now, but what about everybody who hasn't a supportive group or resources? Here’s 4 positive ways that I’ve learned on my journey that you can discover too:
1. Don’t isolate yourself.
This was my biggest hurdle because it’s easy to be isolated from the world. You can be in a crowd of people & still be closed up from everything. COVID didn’t help. If you feel lonely, anxious or depressed, you’re not alone. Maybe you overcome those feelings by going to a new place, exercise, start going to a church, find a group Bible study, or talk to a therapist or pastor. If you're ready to put yourself out there, the options are endless.
2. Center yourself with wise mentors, family or Christian friends.
It’s key for me to know that there’s a group of people on my side, encouraging me in life. When problems, emotions (good or bad), or questions in life happen, it’s wonderful to know that I can call or text someone to talk about the issues. The reply sometimes won’t be what I wanted or agree with, but most of the time, the answer is true.
As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. - Proverbs 27:17
3. Create a schedule with Him.
You need to set a time with God, period. For me, it’s in the early mornings. For others, night time is best. Whatever time really doesn't matter, but having an hour to spend time reading the Word, praying & just sitting with Him is crucial. For me, I think about dating. It’s like this: we can’t get enough time together or I can’t stop talking about Him or learning things about Him. Stop scrolling on your phone to your favorite social, games or shopping apps & take time to deepen your relationship with Jesus.
4. Have a plan if you’re tempted.
We all sin. That’s life. The human desires kick in & game over. But addicts are harder to break. Perhaps addicts had individual life experiences, maybe genetics or surroundings - possibly all are a part of it. Either way, we know how easy it’s to go back to the bad habit. If you were an addict, you need to have a strategy if you’re pressured back to the past. Have a family member, a friend or mentor to call if you’re craving the fix. Reroute your shopping stores (I’m serious!) so that you don't pass by the liquor aisle. Maybe you need to stop being friends with bad connections or lifestyles. Taking those triggers out of your life will help you succeed in the future.
Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. - James 1:14
These 4 tips really help me when temptations or cravings come out. What about you?? Do you have a favorite advice or recommendation? The options are there - you just need to jump in!
