Hope in Addiction

We use the above verse a great deal in our teachings at Ellel to contrast the ways that our enemy (Satan) seeks to cause destruction, brokenness and despair, whereas Jesus wants us to know life in all its fulness.

But what does ‘life to the full’ really mean?

I’m reading a fantastic and gripping book at the moment entitled “Hope in Addiction” written by Andy Partington. It’s a thoroughly well-researched and excellently crafted book written to help understand and help those caught in the grip of addiction.

What’s shocking in the first part of the book, among the many surprising and thought-provoking statistics, is just how prevalent addictions are. Andy Partington records numerous reasons for this but highlights this in particular: a pervasive sense of hopelessness and a widespread sense of emptiness and dissatisfaction. As contributory factors, he also highlights the degree to which childhood experiences impact our lives as well as the sense of isolation which many people feel. Sadly, none of this is a surprise, and could be a source of great despair, but for the fact that we have a Saviour who came to rescue us from exactly these things. Indeed, when Jesus began His ministry, quoting from the prophet Isaiah, He read these words and said they were fulfilled in Him:

‘The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour’ (Luke 4:18-19).

There are many reasons why we could turn to all sorts of things to fill the void we feel within, or to help us cope with life. But what might initially feel like a remedy or a tonic can soon be creating a whole additional set of difficulties. That’s what addictions do.

Whether its over-eating, shopping, alcohol, pornography, or whatever, none of these things can offer the freedom that is only found in Christ. The fulness of life He offers isn’t found in anything, or anyone, else other than Jesus, the One who brings hope and purpose, who can bring healing to our childhood experiences and who saves us into a new family with new purpose.

I love the title of the book, Hope in Addiction. However trapped, stuck, or despairing we may feel, there is always hope. And that hope is found in Jesus.