Have you ever asked yourself why it is so difficult for us to stop disobeying God? We try to do the right thing, but we keep on doing the wrong thing. And the wrong thing that we don't want to do, we keep on doing. For example, we know that procrastination is bad, but we keep on putting off the things that we need to do until it becomes a problem. We know that lying is wrong, but we lie to protect ourselves or want to be accepted by others. We know that jealousy is wrong, but we keep on comparing ourselves with others and become discontent with what God has provided for us. We complain a lot instead of being thankful. We know that lust, bursts of anger, and rage are wrong, but we keep on falling into the same sin. Addictions are also some of the things that we struggle with and are difficult to get out of. The list of sins can go on and on, and we find ourselves defeated and frustrated. The apostle Paul had the same problem and expressed his dilemma in Romans 7:14-20.
So, what is the solution to all our struggles to sin? David gave us the right way to handle our struggle to sin. He prayed, "Do not withhold your mercy from me, Lord; may your love and faithfulness always protect me. For troubles without number surround me; my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see. They are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart fails within me. Be pleased to save me, Lord; come quickly, Lord, to help me (Psalm 40:11-13)." God is the only one who can help us in our struggle to sin. We need to first admit to God that we are helpless to handle our sins with our own strength. We need to humble ourselves before God because we cannot change our hearts. The more we try to change ourselves with our own strength and wisdom, the more we will fail and be frustrated. We have to let go of control and completely rely on God to change us.
We need to plead to God to change us. Every day when we wake up, let us ask God to change our hearts specifically in the areas that we are struggling in, for example, lying, anger, jealousy, lust, etc. We have to pray every day. When we feel tempted to sin, we need to immediately ask God to help us not to give in. Our prayer is a huge solution in overcoming our struggle to sin because it is only the power of God that can change us.
Questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully, meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you). How can I overcome my struggle to sin in my life? What is the first thing that I need to do to handle my struggle to sin? What should I do every day to overcome sin in my life?
Write down all the worries you face today and lift them up to God.
Prayer:
Father in Heaven, you know all the sins that I am struggling with every day. I admit that I cannot overcome my sins with my own strength and wisdom. I am helpless with my sins, but you can help me to overcome them. Please help me to overcome my (mention the specific sin that you are struggling with). Please continue to change my heart so that I may honor and glorify your name in everything that I do. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.