What is Holding You Back Today?

 

Let's be honest—we all have habits we'd rather keep hidden. These are the weaknesses that, while offering a temporary sense of comfort, also bring along a deep feeling of shame. We often push them to the back of our minds, only to face them again when the craving for that next fix takes over. Whether it’s overeating, smoking, lottery, shopping, or any other habit, it’s incredibly frustrating to get stuck in the endless cycle of cravings, temporary satisfaction, consequences, and the shame that follows. We’re trying to meet our physical cravings, but in the process, we’re feeding our desire for that dopamine rush, only to face the fallout later.

God designed our bodies with the ability to experience pleasure through dopamine—this provides short-term enjoyment and helps us respond to fear or danger. However, this wasn’t meant to be how we live every day. Some people fall into the trap of seeking that constant "high," becoming dependent on it to cope with life’s challenges.

In fact, God warns against relying on the fleeting euphoria of these highs instead of trusting Him to provide and care for our needs. Though it may not be something we openly speak about, those battling these habits know in their hearts that they are struggling with something more than just the habit itself. These habits are sinful. As much as we want to hide them, sin cannot be contained. Hebrews 3:12-13 warns us: “Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called 'today,' that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.” We often rationalize our "little sins," convincing ourselves they’re not that bad or that everyone is doing them. But this doesn’t stop the consequences. God is clear in His warning in Proverbs 3:5-7: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and turn away from evil.”

Overcoming these habits is no easy feat, and it often requires repeated attempts. Some people may experience immediate relief after confessing their struggles to God, acknowledging their sins, and seeking His forgiveness. Others, like myself, may face daily battles and need to put intentional plans in place to break free. Repentance involves hard work, shifting our focus from old habits to new ones. This is a biblical truth foundational to overcoming sin. Paul clearly states in Ephesians 4:22-24: “To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.”

One practical step in overcoming sinful habits is journaling—writing down our struggles and sharing them with an accountability partner. Another step is tracking our spending. Keeping a detailed record of every expenditure and sticking to a budget helps us stay accountable. This is a simple, practical way to manage resources and avoid falling into financial habits that might control us.

Getting involved in serving others is another effective way to break free from sinful patterns. Ephesians 4:28 encourages us: “Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.” Volunteering and helping those in need not only helps others, but it can also help us focus our energies on positive actions rather than destructive habits.

Above all, make your walk with the Lord intentional. Set aside time daily to read and study the Bible. It doesn’t matter when you do it—what matters is that you make the effort. God’s Word is transformative. When you focus on Him and His teachings, you gain the strength to face life’s challenges and resist the enemy's attacks. Building a relationship with God is like any other relationship—it takes time and effort.

The Bible isn’t a book of rules or tests; it’s a revelation of history and a guide for living free from the bondage of sinful habits. When we follow God’s instructions, we experience life as it was meant to be—free from the consequences of sin. Life can be radically different when we choose to live for God’s glory. As 1 Corinthians 10:31 reminds us: “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

So, where is God in your life right now? Is your mindset focused on yourself or on God?