Self‑destructive behaviors rarely begin as rebellion. They begin as attempts to escape emotional pain. Many believers feel ashamed of their struggles, but Be Transformed: New Life Awaits explains that these behaviors are symptoms—not the root problem. The real issue is the torment that comes from unresolved wounds, unforgiveness, fear, or beliefs that contradict God’s truth.
When emotional pain builds, the heart instinctively seeks relief. Some turn to substances, others to food, entertainment, or distraction. These coping strategies may numb the pain temporarily, but they cannot heal it. The torment remains beneath the surface, waiting for the next moment of vulnerability. This cycle continues until the heart is addressed at the root level.
God never designed us to carry torment. He offers comfort, peace, and healing, but these gifts require us to surrender the alliances we’ve made with the world’s solutions. When we rely on coping behaviors instead of God, we strengthen the old self and weaken our spiritual authority. The heart becomes divided, and the believer feels powerless to change.
Healing begins when we bring our pain to God and allow Him to address the deeper issues. Forgiveness, repentance, and the rejection of false beliefs open the door to peace. As torment lifts, the need for self‑medication diminishes. The believer gains strength to face challenges without reverting to destructive patterns. Transformation becomes sustainable because the heart—not just the behavior—has been renewed.
If you want to understand how God brings comfort in the middle of emotional turmoil, listen to the podcast Comfort in Crisis.
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