"You Will Be Freed"

As I got online today I saw the above picture with the following caption, "You will be Freed! For all who have fallen prey to addiction, 'there is hope … because the Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ makes all things possible.' Elder M. Russell Ballard." This picture and quote touched me as it did when I heard the talk from Elder Ballard in October at General Conference. I know that there are many who have "fallen prey to addiction," in some ways we all have. An addiction is "the state of being enslaved to a habit or practice" (Dictionary.com) It is the act of giving our agency away to Satan. Addiction is Satan's plan, for he wants us to be "miserable like unto himself" (2 Nephi 2:27). Many times in the midst of addiction it feels like there is no way!! And that is exactly what Satan wants us to think, he wants us to lull ourselves down to hell. To say things such as, "It's too late now, I am way to far gone," or "I am not even worthy to pray to God and ask for forgiveness." Those are all things that Satan puts in our head to try to keep control over us. They are lies from the "father of lies" (see 2 Nephi 9:9).

A few months ago I decided that I wanted to work on an addiction of mine to try to get a small dose of what is like to try and overcome an addiction. I decided that I wanted to work on my sarcasm. I am a very sarcastic person, and my companion suggested that I try to not be so sarcastic. So I decided to try it. The first day I failed epically! Day two I decided to start again. This time I turned to God and asked for his help. As I did so it was easier but still took effort. From that small experience I learned that it is very hard to overcome and addictive behavior, and they only way is if we seek for God's help.

There is a very good program that the church has to help us overcome addictive behaviors. The Addiction Recovery Program is a twelve step process to overcome those behaviors that are not pleasing unto God. Take a look at the program online, or contact me (through a comment or facebook) to learn how to become a part of a support group near you. There is a group that meets at the Church Building, 1100 Gray Fox Lane, every Thursday night at 7pm in the Family History Center.

Also, read the talk from Elder Ballard, "O that Cunning plan of the Evil One".
And watch the video that caught my eye this afternoon, "You Will Be Freed".