Struggling with Pornography: Temptations and desires

Many in recovery from pornography can honestly say that it has become easier most of the time to deal with desire and temptations. You have probably heard people say that they used to struggle with it. If you ask, “How did you stop?”, you might get 10 different answers. I want you to know that learning to deal with temptations and desires for pornography addiction does get easier over time.

I’m sure you noticed that “most” was italicized above. This is because sometimes temptations and desires can feel very strong at any given time, whether you have been sober for two months or two years. Just because this desire is the strongest it has been in months does not mean you are not changing though.

God uses Experiences to help with Pornography Addiction

God uses experiences to change me and not just ‘aha’ moments. “I have changed if I am not struggling with this anymore!” This emphatic, often believed, not verbalized- statement is common for all of us, emphasizing change happening through immediate sobriety and not necessarily a process.

Temptation and desires are normal human experiences. I do not necessarily change out of being tempted to sin. And yet, every time you are tempted or have the urge to view pornography, is an experience that is part of God’s plan to change you. How do you know though?

Hebrews 5:14 states "But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil." When you are tempted, discerning good from evil in a situation, then God is maturing you. This is not a bad moment. This is a maturing moment. When you are tempted, begin to tell yourself, "God is maturing me right now."

In conclusion, being open to change through experiences, as well as maturing through experiences when tempted, allows me to respond to temptation and desire, instead of feeling taken off guard when they come, or feeling shame for having the desire.

Some questions to consider:

1. How do you feel when you are tempted?

2. How do I think change happens in regards to pornography?

For more encouragement, check out Cowtown's Youtube video where Fort Worth addiction counselors Joel Peterson, LPC and Clifton Hickman, LPC, CSAT of Reviving Hope Christian Counseling discuss multiple questions regarding addiction, temptation, and desire.

Cowtown Christian Counseling serves Fort Worth with pornography addiction counseling from a Christian perspective. Check out more of our addiction blogs.