Have you ever hated something you keep doing repeatedly? For example, maybe you’ve been told that you’re acting like your father or your mother when they and we have been at our worst behaviour. Is it innate or have we learned it?
Addicts wake up with remorse that they have once again failed; they are then filled with guilt and hopelessness. The feelings subside only when the next craving is fulfilled…and the cycle continues.
Luther teaches us about how even such negative dynamics in our lives help us in even more praise of God. I am not saying that addictions serve to praise God; rather, in our weaknesses, we discover how much we need God in our lives. Let’s call that weakness desire, narcissism, lack, emptiness, etc. Sum it all up by calling it sin.
Praise of God and faith in God help us focus on the spiritual aspect of life rather than the carnal. In the face of our weakness, we may feel helpless. We may fail, but Christ sends the Holy Spirit to give us hope and spiritual strength where and when there seems to be none. This is the power of the resurrection.
Holy Spirit, fill us with the hope of our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. —