If you live long enough, everyone will experience periods of atavism, backsliding and reverting back to previous habits of your childhood. The dictionary refers to this as regression, where individuals return to a less developed state. These lapses can last a few days, linger or develop into addictive states. Thus, the sooner one acts, the better you will be in the future.
For sin, seizing the opportunity afforded by the commandment, deceived me, and through the commandment put me to death, Romans 7:11.
Unfortunately, depression is a powerful force. This mood can oppress the soul, crippling any good intentions to escape. Beside prayer and fasting, resolve is one of the last hopes for anyone stuck in a rut. Imaging the person you use to be and seek to become is a step in the right direction, yet doubt, fear and uncertainty create a valley that seems too wide to jump over.
As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me, Romans 7:17.
Nonetheless, experiencing regression sucks, not a fun place to call home. As I search for the person I use to be, I often wonder if I will ever see glimpses of the man I once was. As I wait to see how this story unfolds, there is much work to do and restoration to accomplish. Yet, for now I cling to resolve, resisting the urge to continue in complacency. Perhaps, the apostle Paul endured a similar battle in Romans 7. Thanks be to God for a Savior who conquered sin and death so that those wrestling with regression may one day taste victory.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 