3 Practical Ways to Overcome Temptation
The season of darkness has fallen, and the beige walls of the living room are creeping ever so slowly closer together with each passing day. I need a few fresh and practical ways to overcome temptation of all sorts. Something about these long, dark days draws me to a place where I’m tempted to return to old ways.
I sit on the recliner in the 4 p.m. twilight, and I read these words:
As Pharaoh drew near, the sons of Israel looked, and behold, the Egyptians were marching after them, and they became very frightened; so the sons of Israel cried out to the Lord.
Then they said to Moses, “Is it because there were no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness? Why have you dealt with us in this way, bringing us out of Egypt? Is this not the word that we spoke to you in Egypt, saying, ‘Leave us alone that we may serve the Egyptians’? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness.” Exodus 14:10-13
At first sight, the plight of the Israelites fleeing Pharaoh’s armies seems to have little to do with my life in twenty-first-century America.
But then I get to thinking.
Moses has just led God’s people away from the bondage of slavery, out of a life of toil and struggle, and into a wide open space of promise. The people have no way of knowing it just yet, but God is about to split a sea in two so that they can cross on dry ground to safety.
What if the enemies that seek to destroy us are just a few steps from drowning in the depths of the sea, but we’re too full of grumbling to step away? Share on XWhat if the old enticements that threaten to enslave us are just inches from meeting their final demise, but we’re too tired of the fight?
The Secret to Overcoming Temptation
Sometimes going back to old ways feels right, even when those ways were never God’s best for our lives.
Kind of like going back to Egypt.
And if we trusted God, we would trust that going back to old things isn’t going to bring the abundance promised.
In fact, the self-control that feels stifling is actually the gateway to freedom and joy.
Sometimes going back to old ways feels right, even when those ways were never God’s best for our lives. #overcomingtemptation #temptation #victoryoversin Share on XI face this temptation when the days grow short and nights grow long.
I’m not tempted to fall into some socially unacceptable vice, but I’m tempted to give in to discouragement. I’m tempted to stop looking for the good that surrounds me and dwell on the walls closing in.
What if this isn’t God’s best? What if the sea is about to open wide, if we’ll just quit complaining, adjust our attitudes, and fix our eyes on him?
We each face areas where it’s tempting to go back to the slavery of Egypt. It might be subtle, something no one will notice, or it might be an overt behavior that could lead to ruin and enslavement.
Here are a few ways to overcome the temptation to turn back:
1. Overcome Temptation by Refusing to Complain
No longer forced to labor long hours and make bricks from straw and mud, wandering through the desert seems like a ticket to freedom. Instead of thanking God for setting them free, God’s people complained again and again.
They complained about the food he provided. They complained about the lack of water and about Moses’ leadership. I wonder how the journey might have changed if they’d given thanks for the blessings instead of cursing what seemed lacking.
When our eyes are fixed on what is wrong in our lives, we tend to buy the lie that we deserve some sort of tangible release or reward. We tell ourselves we deserve the whole pizza, another glass of wine, or another hour “relaxing” on social media.
Complaint breeds self-centered thinking, and this mentality easily leads to a mindset that says, “I deserve this indulgence.”
2. Overcome Temptation by Giving Thanks for What Is Good
God’s people were quick to complain about his provision. He gave them manna to eat, and they grumbled that their food was better in Egypt. He provided for every need, and yet they murmured about everything from Moses’ leadership to being thirsty.
What does this have to do with binging on sugar at 9 p.m.? Maybe more than we realize.
When I can enjoy God’s gifts in moderation, fixing my eyes on what is good, I resist the urge to overindulge. When I can thank God for his gifts while I enjoy his gifts, I am less likely to go overboard and succumb to binging on his gifts in an unhealthy way.
Have you noticed that one cookie slowly savored ultimately offers a greater reward than a whole sleeve of cookies thoughtlessly scarfed down?
3. Overcome Temptation by Keeping the Past in Perspective
It’s easy to look back on the old days and remember past seasons through rose-colored glasses. God’s people forgot that slavery was grueling and harsh.
In the same way, we need to remember the parts of our past ways that led to destruction. The party might last for the night, but the regrets leave a lasting sting the next day. We’re wise to remember the regrets instead of only the fun of the night.
I’m not sure whether the sun has set or the drab sky is simply darkening with thicker clouds when I finish reading. One thing I know is this: I choose my mindset every day. Today I can choose defeat and discouragement, or I can choose hope and life. I choose the latter.
To read more about how to turn to God instead of turning to food, join me right here.
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