Posted: 10/27/2008 at 4:20am | IP Logged

Hi Jess,

No, there's nothing wrong with liking message boards but...

Is it an addiction?  You can probably answer that for yourself. Do you get anxious if you don't get the fix you're searching for?  Is there an emptyness you are trying to fill through seeking responses on message boards?  Are you turning to man for answers instead of turning to God?

Are you seeking answers from others instead of trusting God to speak to you?  At times, especially as we're growing up in maturity, we need the counsel and wisdom of others where we're lacking.  That's normal.  But throughout this entire growing up period, God is speaking to us Himself and desiring us to learn to trust in His voice for ourselves, more and more.  This is His plan, are you in line with it?  During this growing time it is sometimes neccessary to seek confirmation from others in order to check that we are hearing right.  But this need of other's confirmation declines as we grow more mature.

Are you seeking to know God, and His voice, better for yourself?  Is this the desire of your heart?

If you suspect you have an addiction, I suggest you speak to Him honestly about how you are feeling and ask Him to help you directly Himself.  Then trust that He is doing so and expect to see the outworking of this.

Love Mandy

Posted: 10/27/2008 at 6:47am | IP Logged

Hi Jess,

After posting I thought more about it and want to add that I don't think the addiction is the main issue, but the emptyness you are trying to fill.  

I've noticed about myself, that if i deal with one addiction, and I haven't dealt with the underlying emptyness that I was trying to fill through it, then I just get another addiction.

I believe its the emptyness we're trying to fill that is the main issue with God.

Love Mandy

Posted: 10/28/2008 at 3:25am | IP Logged

Hi Jess & Anita,

Yes, I've spent much time trying to get a grip on addictive behaviors, only to find that once I've nailed one, another one pops up.  There seem to be three weak areas I've got that can get targetted in this way.  I've got one under control, then another rears its head.  So I've worked on that one too, then another one pops up, and on and on it goes. 

I've found the only way to overcome the whole problem is to spend quality time in God's presence, soaking up His love for me.  His love quiets my soul and gives me peace (as in Zeph 3:16ish?).  I pray for His grace to enter into all the wounded and empty parts within me.  The more I do this, the more peace I have and the less I'm tempted to turn to addictive substitutes.  Until I get to the point where they don't bother me anymore. 

But what I notice, is that if I spend time away from God's presence, the addictive behaviour rears its ugly head again easily enough.  So, the solution? ...stay close to my Lord and the source of unfailing love.

Love Mandy