A Spiritual Problem

 

I look up to the mountains and hills, longing for God’s help. – Psalm 121:1 (TPT)

I am in no way an expert on any type of addiction, but what I do know is that there are many who have found themselves in positions where they have to deal with someone who has an addiction.

Though addiction, in whatever form it takes, is very personal to the individual, it becomes a personal condition for anyone who is in relationship with the addict; whether it’s a blood relative or a co-worker or boss, being related to that person takes a toll.

I have read that experts tend to study addiction in terms of a general disease and their solution to the problem of addiction is to apply evidence-based scientific interventions to develop treatment options.

But, from my own limited experience, I have observed that addiction seems to affect its victims in different ways, so that a generalized scientific intervention may not be the best solution, as it might not work for everyone. Anyway, what do I know. I’ve often wondered why persons become addicted in the first place; what is the root cause of their addiction. Does it stem from childhood? Not the addiction itself but the cause of it.

Perhaps it involves a complex set of factors that have an adverse effect on the mind from some childhood trauma? Addiction is still a problem, so it seems that no one has yet figured it out; nobody has come up with a single solution or approach to treating or curing addictions.

I have asked God and His response was, “Addicts are deeply wounded but it’s not an ordinary wound that requires ordinary healing.”

Puzzled, I queried, “Then how? Have they become disconnected from You and not realizing what it is, are searching for that fulfilment elsewhere in things that cannot truly satisfy? God, is addiction a spiritual problem?”

“Mostly, so it requires a spiritual solution. Their hearts are broken and they are lost.”

God told me that prayer is the solution to a spiritual problem; prayer works and faith fixes things. Psalm 147:3 (TPT) tells us that God ministers to the wounded and brokenhearted.

He heals the wounds of every shattered heart.

Beloved, you may not be dealing with an addict but may know someone who is, or perhaps you’re dealing with some other issue, you must pray. The solution to a spiritual problem is prayer. Prayer can, and will, make a difference. Be encouraged by James 5:14-16,

Are there any sick among you?...the prayer of faith will heal the sick and the Lord will raise them up, and if they have committed sins they will be forgiven. Confess and acknowledge how you have offended one another and then pray for one another to be instantly healed, for tremendous power is released through the passionate, heartfelt prayer of a godly believer!

This is worth repeating, tremendous power is released through the passionate, heartfelt prayer of a godly believer!

Not a single passionate and heartfelt prayer goes unheard in heaven. When you pray for others, tremendous power is released, making a difference in a very real way, both spiritually and temporally, not only in the lives of others but in your own life.

So, let us pray for those who are addicted because prayers save, heal, and lead us and our loved ones back to the heart of God.

Prayer is powerful, and it works!

Amen †

 

Shelley Johnson “A Spiritual Problem” ©2026 March 17, 2026