“Even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save.” (Isa. 46:4 ESV)

The righteous flourish and still bear fruit in old age

“The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. They are planted in the house of the Lord; they flourish in the courts of our God. They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green, to declare that the Lord is upright; he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.” (Psalms 92:12-15 ESV) 

Wisdom and understanding is with the aged

“Wisdom is with the aged, and understanding in length of days.” (Job 12:12 ESV)

Instructions to older men and women

“Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good.” (Titus 2:1-3 ESV

Therefore…

“I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread.” (Psalm 37:25 ESV)

“Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life.” (Prov. 16:31 ESV)

“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.” (2 Cor. 4:16 ESV)

“So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come.” (Psalm 71:18 ESV) 

“But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.” (Phil. 3:20-21 ESV) 

“So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 92:12 ESV) 

Quotes:

“You are never too old to set a new goal or dream a new dream.” C.S. Lewis

“Those who love deeply never grow old; they may die of old age, but they die young.” – Benjamin Franklin.

“For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved.” (2 Peter 2:19 ESV)

Addiction: a compulsive, chronic, physiological or psychological need for a habit-forming substance, behavior, or activity having harmful physical, psychological, or social effects and typically causing well-defined symptoms (such as anxiety, irritability, tremors, or nausea) upon withdrawal or abstinence: the state of being addicted. 

I was addicted to alcohol

Before my life was transformed by Christ, I was addicted to alcohol. I spent every cent I got to support my addiction. Many times I got into serious trouble because of my drinking and its affect on my behavior. I was often drunk and disorderly in public places. The police arrested me and I went to jail. I could not stop drinking no matter how hard I tried. Then one evening I was out drinking with my friends, and while looking for matches in the car’s glove-box, I found a small gospel tract, written by Chick Publications, with the title, “This Was Your Life” about a young man who was exactly like me. It told about sin and its consequences, about Jesus’ death on the cross to pay for sin, and it explained how to pray and receive Him into your life as your personal Lord and Savior. I sincerely prayed that prayer and was instantly “born again”, just  as Jesus had described in the Bible, in John 3: 1-8. From that moment on my life was forever changed. It has now been more than 50 years since I stopped drinking. I had other addictions, too, such as smoking, that I eventually became free from. Strange as this may sound, and still I don’t understand why, it was harder for me to quit smoking than it was for me to quit drinking. I was instantly delivered from my addiction to alcohol but not from my smoking habit. I did eventually prevail but it took much prayer, much effort, and much self control. The following verses have proven very helpful to me along the way to victory. 

Be sober-minded 

Being “sober-minded, as the verse below says, means developing a healthy mindset over addiction. Realize that the devil is behind it, “like a roaring lion seeking to destroy you”, and you must constantly watch out for his evil devices and resist him and his attacks.

“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8 ESV)

Remain steadfast

Understand that not only is the devil attacking you, your own desires are also at work within you, according to the passage below, “luring, enticing  and tempting” you to continue your addiction. Recognize your addiction’s symptoms in their earliest stages as warnings to you to quickly stop, reverse direction as necessary, and to take action against them, before they can develop into “full blown sin”. Remain steadfast in your fight against addiction and expect to be blessed.

“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.” (James 12:1-15 ESV)

Do not be enslaved by anything

“All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be enslaved by anything.” (1 Cor. 6:12 ESV)

“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” (Gal. 5:1 ESV)

Abstain from passions of the flesh 

“Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.” (1 Cor. 2:11 ESV)

Avoid bad company

In your fight against addiction learn to recognize and stay away from what is dangerous for you to be around, including certain people. If you have old friends who participate in what you are addicted to, don’t hang around with them anymore. My company makes it necessary for me to attend industry trade shows and conventions where a lot of drinking goes on. I don’t go to the bars or attend parties or drinking events. I stick only to my business and what I am there for. Occasionally someone will offer me a drink and I say cheerfully with a smile on my face, “No thank you. I’m allergic to alcohol. When I drink it, I break out in police cars and handcuffs.” They always laugh and say something like, “Oh yes, I completely understand.” Anyway, whatever it takes for you to remain victorious and steadfast, do it. 

“Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” (1 Cor. 15:33 ESV)

“But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.” (Rom. 13:14 ESV)

Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matt. 26:41

Call upon the Lord in the day of trouble

“And call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.” (Psalm 50:15 ESV)

Therefore…

“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” (1 Cor. 10:13 ESV)

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7 ESV)

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36 ESV)

“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Gal. 5:16 ESV)

Quote:

“Nothing paralyzes our lives like the attitude that things can never change. We need to remind ourselves that God can change things. Outlook determines outcome. If we see only the problems, we will be defeated; but if we see the possibilities in the problems, we can have victory.” - Warren Wiersbe

“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” (Prov. 27:17 ESV)

Accountability means confessing your sins and praying for one another

“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” (James 5:16 ESV)

Accountability is helping one another stand strong

“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” (Eccles. 4:9-12 ESV)

All will give account to God

“I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” (Matt. 12:36-37 ESV)

“So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.” (Rom. 14:12 ESV)

“And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” (Heb. 4:13 ESV)

“I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.” (Jer. 17:10 ESV)

Therefore…

“Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Gal. 6:2 ESV)

“Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.” (Eph. 4:25 ESV)

Quotes:

“Accountability breeds response-ability.” – Stephen Corvey

“An accountability partner is able to perceive what you can't see when blind spots and weaknesses block your vision. Such a person serves a a tool in God's hand to promote spirtual growth, and he or she watches out for your best interest.” - Charles Stanley 

“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12 ESV)

God will help you during hard times so don’t fear

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isa. 41:10 ESV)

What to do during hard times

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Phil. 4:6-8 ESV)

During hard times, remember that God is for you!

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Josh. 1:9 ESV)

“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Rom. 8:31 ESV). 

During hard times, remember that it’s only temporary

“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” (Rom. 8:18 ESV)

During hard times, you can take heart and have peace 

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16.33 ESV)

 Therefore…

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” (James 1:2-3 ESV)

“Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again.” (2 Cor. 1:9-10 ESV)

“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Cor. 12:9 ESV)

 Quote:

“I would go to the deeps a hundred times to cheer a downcast spirit. It is good for me to have been afflicted, that I might know how to speak a word in season to one that is weary. - Charles Spurgeon

“But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.” (2 Thess. 3:3 ESV)

 God is a very present help

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1 ESV)

God will uphold you

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isa. 41:10 ESV)

No weapon shall succeed against you 

“No weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed, and you shall confute every tongue that rises against you in judgment. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord and their vindication from me, declares the Lord.” (Isa. 54:17 ESV)

Therefore…

“So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” (Heb. 13:6 ESV)

“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” (Deut. 31:6 ESV)

“You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with shouts of deliverance.” (Psalm 32:7 ESV)

“My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge, my savior; you save me from violence. I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies.” (2 Sam. 22:3-4 ESV)

Quote:

“After a hard day scrambling to find your way around in the world, it's assuring to come home to a place you know. God can be equally familiar to you. With time you can learn where to go for nourishment, where to hide for protection , where to turn for guidance. Just as your earthly house is a place of refuge, so God's house is a place of peace.” - Max Lucado

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4 ESV)

The Father of mercies and God of all comfort

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” (1 Cor. 1:3-4 ESV)

“Sing for joy, O heavens, and exult, O earth; break forth, O mountains, into singing! For the Lord has comforted his people and will have compassion on his afflicted.” (Isa. 49:13 ESV)

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” (Rev. 21:4 ESV)

The Lord is near to the brokenhearted

“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18 ESV)

 Therefore…

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” (Matt. 5:4 ESV)

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matt. 11:28-30 ESV)

“Let your steadfast love comfort me according to your promise to your servant.” (Psalm. 119:76 ESV)

Quote:

“In the midst of the awesomeness, a touch comes, and you know it is the right hand of Jesus Christ. You know it is not the hand of restraint, correction, nor chastisement, but the right hand of the Everlasting Father. Whenever His hand is laid upon you, it gives inexpressible peace and comfort, and the sense that "underneath are the everlasting arms," (Deuteronomy 33:27) full of support, provision, comfort and strength.” - Oswald Chambers

“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18 ESV)

 God heals the broken hearted

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” (Psalm 147:3 ESV)

 God will wipe away every tear

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” (Rev. 21:4 ESV)

 God comforts us so that we can comfort others

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” (2 Cor. 1:3-4 ESV)

Therefore… 

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” (Psalm 73:26 ESV)

“Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 ESV)

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” (Matt. 5:4 ESV)

 Quote:

 “The true man of God is heartsick, grieved at the worldliness of the Church, grieved at the toleration of sin in the Church, grieved at the prayerlessness in the Church. He is disturbed that the corporate prayer of the Church no longer pulls down the strongholds of the devil.” - Leonard Ravenhill

“Heal me, O Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise.” (Jer. 17:14 NIV)   

 He is the Lord who heals

“He said, “If you listen carefully to the LORD your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, who heals you.” (Exo. 15:26 NIV)

"But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,’ declares the LORD" (Jer. 30:17 NIV) 

“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy.” (Psalm 103:2-4 ESV)

 By his wounds you are healed

 “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.” (1 Pet. 2:24 ESV) 

If you are sick…

“Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven.” (James 5.14-15 NIV)

Therefore…

“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” (James 5:16 ESV)

“My son, be attentive to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Let them not escape from your sight; keep them within your heart. For they are life to those who find them, and healing to all their flesh.” (Prov. 4:20-22 ESV)

“Worship the LORD your God, and his blessing will be on your food and water. I will take away sickness from among you…” (Exo. 23:25 NIV)

Quote:

“How sweet the name of Jesus sounds, in a believer's ear! It soothes his sorrows, heals his wounds, and drives away his fear.” - John Newton

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Tim. 2:15 KJV)

Study the Bible because it is living and active

“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Heb. 4:12 ESV)

Study the Bible continually so you will be sure to obey everything written in it

“Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.” (Josh. 1:8 NLT)

Study to be thoroughly equipped

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Tim. 3:16-17 NIV)

Study the Bible for hope and encouragement 

“Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.” (Rom. 15:4 NLT)

Therefore…

“But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” (2 Tim. 3:14-15 NIV) 

“Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near.” (Rev. 1:3 ESV)

Quotes:

“A thorough knowledge of the Bible is worth more than a college education.” - Theodore Roosevelt

“I believe the Bible is the best gift God has ever given to man. All the good from The Savior of the world is communicated to us through this Book.” - Abraham Lincoln