In order to break the shackles of addiction, you must first break the shackles of shame. This is only possible for the man or woman who is sensitive to the work of the Holy Spirit, for we know that “the unrighteous know no shame” (Zephaniah 3:5).
Jesus described the specific work of the Holy Spirit: “When he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment” (John 16:8).
How does this work? More importantly, what is our role in escaping the prison of shame?
Jon Bloom, co-founder of Desiring God, has the answer. He writes, “Like the woman at the well, King David, and the hemorrhaging woman, our shame frequently encourages us to hide in the wrong places.” He adds, “The key to breaking the power of shame is the superior power of humility.”
Recovery Step: Humble yourself before God. Then watch the power of shame slowly lose its grip.
Author: Mark Denison
Mark and Beth Denison, married for 36 years, launched There’s Still Hope as a national movement to call men and women into lives of sexual integrity. Their ministry offers 90-day recovery plans for addicts and one-on-one and group coaching for addicts and their spouses. TSH also produces resources for pastors and churches to confront the porn epidemic that is destroying so many lives.
Dr. Denison was a senior pastor for over 30 years, NBA chaplain, and board chairman at Houston Baptist University three times. With a Master’s Degree in Addiction Recovery, Mark is a certified PSAP and active member of the American Association of Christian Counselors.
Mark has written four books on recovery: Porn in the Pew, 365 Days to Sexual Integrity, A 90-Day Recovery Guide, and 40 Days to Porn-Free Living. His latest book, Jesus on the 12 Steps, will be released later this year.
