A Problem

Lord, I am here. I am listening. I open my heart to receive your insight and direction. What would you like to focus on today?

…

Is there something about my character that you would like to shine a light on?

Your drinking is a problem Michael. It keeps you from being your best. It keeps you separated from me. You are choosing to detach yourself from me when you choose to alter your consciousness in any way. I created you with the natural ability to commune with me through choice. Consciousness-altering substances (like alcohol and many others) will never bring you closer to me and in fact build a wall between us. Those substances actually open you up to other spiritual influences, which are not from me.

I agree Lord. My habitual drinking is a problem. Is the solution a matter of pure will?

In a way, yes. It was “pure will” that brought you to where you are today with it.

I see what you mean. I guess my question is, does it come down to fighting with my habit, my (now) natural (corrupt) instinct?

In a way, yes. It will be a battle, if you want to call it that, in moment-by-moment choices. For example, you know that having what you are tempted by on-hand is a recipe for failure. So remove the temptation from the surroundings you control. That is a single decision that represents a small victory. Each small victory creates momentum toward the next victory and, ultimately, winning the battle. I am not saying that alcohol is forbidden. But you are not being responsible. You are using it to dull your mind and escape from stress. Stress is there for a reason. Escaping from it will not help it, it will actually make the situation worse.

So, step 1 is throw away the beer?

That would be a good start.

I suppose step 2 would be to ask [my wife] not to buy more.

Good.

I’ve done all this before.

It’s not going to be easy. The enemy is tempting and trying to deceive you any way that he can.

Ok, Lord. I’ll do it. And this time I’m going to talk through my struggles with you – will you lend me your strength?

Yes, Michael.

Thank you Lord.

Oh, I suppose you want me to also throw away the computer games?

We’ll leave that alone for now. Focus on what we talked about earlier.