Resisting temptation

Psalm 31:2-4 Turn Your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my Rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. Since You are my Rock and my fortress, for the sake of Your name lead and guide me. Free me from the trap that is set for me, for You are my refuge. 

Many of us have temptations in our lives that are difficult to avoid. Whether those temptations are overspending, overeating, drugs, alcohol or something else, they are the efforts of the enemy to divert us from keeping our eyes on the Lord and His plans for us.  

We don't fall victim to the temptations that have no hold on us. We are tempted into sin by our own desires. (James 1:14) Desiring something is not a sin. Going after that which we shouldn't have or something that is not within God's will for us is sin. We seek God's guidance then go ahead and do what we want, hoping for forgiveness later. Our rebellion against God's leading is sin and we will pay the cost for going our own way. 

When we see temptation rearing its ugly head, we can follow or we can run the other way. We each recognize what is tempting us. We also choose whether we cave in to it or cry out to the Lord to be our refuge and our strong fortress. His word will guide us in the way to overcome. God will give us wisdom if we ask Him. (James 1:5) He doesn't resent us asking. He rejoices when we run to Him. 

Just spending time in the presence of the Lord changes our focus from what tempts us to what the Lord wants for us. Delaying tactics are a strong ally in the fight against our weaknesses. Delaying that second serving or that cigarette by ten minutes greatly decreases its attraction. Waiting till the next morning to make a major decision can clear away some of the desire and give us time to take it to the Lord for wisdom in deciding. Getting the temptation out of sight also decreases our desire for it.  
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Overcoming temptation is like a race. Sometimes it is all uphill. But the crown of life at the end of the race is worth all the struggle and effort. God rejoices with us when we overcome. He is at the finish line waiting for us.