Pornography is a struggle for many people. May I give you a glimpse of the heart of those who struggle? Koos (not his real name) wrote:

Here I sit, still ashamed. I was one of those who watched pornography. About 30 years ago.

Now that I’m older, I realise how badly I sinned against God and I’m almost too ashamed to show my face before God.

The past ten years were even better, because the urgent needs disappeared, so growing older helped.

For many it remains a struggle with few victories. Peter (not his real name) wrote this touching email:

I would like to ask you to pray for me. I have a problem with pornography. I am so sorry that I’ve disappointed the Lord so many times after asking for forgiveness, and then doing it again another day.

I am a child of God, but at times I slip up and simply cannot resist the temptation.

This morning, I was so ashamed to ask the Lord to forgive me, to wash me clean with the blood of Jesus. I called my sin by its name and begged God again and again to forgive me.

I’m so afraid that God will turn His back on me.

I didn’t look at it every day, but just when I thought I was spiritually strong, Satan comes and destroys everything!

The biggest disappointment is that I, doing a course in Biblical counselling at present … and then I fall into sin! I don’t know if the Lord will ever forgive me. He brought me to this course and I want to fully surrender to it, but now Satan is so devious in my life, marriage and relationship with my children.

I don’t have anybody I can go to who can pray with me so I can ask for forgiveness and spiritual strength. Your name popped up in my thoughts this morning as I was preparing for the day. Please, pray for me!

Maybe we shouldn’t be too quick to point a finger. Some are really stuck in this trap and need our prayers. May we take pity on them like Jesus and help them to overcome this challenge in their lives.

Scripture
Hebrews 13:1-8

Reflection
Do you want to help someone who has an addiction?
Can you help someone with an addiction?
How?

Prayer
Father, please help me see other people’s needs and help them. Amen.