We are always looking for something to soothe our pain. That’s why I often say that porn isn’t a bad problem as much as it’s a bad solution. We use it to make something else go away, if even for the moment. Porn is just one drug that does the trick.
W.C. Fields said, “I always cook with wine. Sometimes I even add it to the food.”
The old prophet seemed to have a good understanding of the human dilemma. He asked, “Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy?” (Isaiah 55:2).
What are you turning to in order to soothe your pain? The next time you turn to porn or any other drug, just remember – the solution is worse than the problem. And then the solution becomes the problem.
Recovery Step: The next time you feel driven to soothe your pain, make sure the cure isn’t worse than the problem.
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.
