Daniel was a handsome young man who was very ambitious. He was married to Jennifer who was very beautiful and equally ambitious. Even though Jennifer was very beautiful, Daniel had a wondering eye. Everywhere Daniel went, he couldn't help noticed other attractive women. Soon he started lusting after these women and the affairs with multiple women started. Initially Daniel tried to ignore the images and thoughts of the women who were not his wife. Soon the thoughts became compulsive and he was out of control. Jennifer found out about her husband's affair and divorced him. Daniel realized that he needed help. He went to multiple therapy sessions but it wasn't until he found God that he was able to overcome his lusts.
Are you struggling with lust like Daniel? Lust does not have be necessarily a sexual sin but can also be a strong desire. What strong desires are you struggling with today? Is it an addiction to over eating, alcohol, or destructive behavior? First, we need to cry out to God for help and get filled with his spirit. Since we are naturally sinful we can not rely on our strength to overcome lust because it's a daily battle. Romans 7:18 says, "For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I can not carry it out." God's strength becomes perfect in our weakness. We need to rely on the power from the Holy Spirit. If you walk after the spirit then you will not fulfil the lust of the flesh (Galatians 5:16).
Next we need to die to self to overcome lust. Romans 6 explains how to have freedom from sin by being alive in Christ. Verse 7 says sin does not have power over dead people. You also have to renew your mind on a daily basis by focusing on God and staying in his word. You have to deny yourself anything that appeals to your flesh by putting it far from you. Romans 12:2 says, "Do not be conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-his good, pleasing, and perfect will." Lastly, resist the situation that could trap you and flee from it. In other words, submit to God, resist the devil and he will flee from you (James 4:7).
Let's pray:
Dear Heavenly Father, I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praises to your name, O Most High. Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name. I confess that I am struggling with lust of (name your struggle). Lord, I repent of this sin and ask for you to set me free. Wash me with your blood and cleanse me of any impurities. Lord, the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds. I declare that I will control my body in holiness and honor and not in the passion of lusts. I decree that I will put to death what is earthly in me. I realize that everything in this world-the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life comes not from the Father.
As in 2 Timothy 2:2, I will flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace. God, I love you and will keep your commandments. Lord, I realize that when sin is fully grown it brings forth death. I will put on the Lord Jesus Christ, make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires as in Romans 13:14. I decree and declare that I will deny myself, take up my cross daily, and follow you. Lord since I am your obedient child, I will not be conform to the passions of my former ignorance. Thank you Father for blessing me to overcome the lusts of my flesh. In Jesus name Amen.