Newcomer struggling with porn

Deleted
Deleted Member

Posts: 0

Newcomer struggling with porn Feb 28, 2017 9:33:24 GMT -7 ladystrong likes this

Post by Deleted on Feb 28, 2017 9:33:24 GMT -7

Hi everyone, I'm new to these forums and wanted to introduce myself. I'm a 25 year old male (single). Recently I've been having increasing problems with compulsively looking at porn (usually YouTube videos) and masturbating. I would occasionally do this in the past, but lately I've been experiencing strong temptations much more frequently (every week or two). After a fall I try to pick myself up and make resolutions to pray more on a daily basis especially in the time of temptation, but it is very difficult and with each failure I am tempted to despair that I can ever extricate myself from this. I am convinced that this kind of thing can never bring me happiness or fulfillment, that it is sinful, an impediment to spiritual and psychological health and growth; but somehow such reasons are never enough to make me stop.

Just wanted to share my struggles and ask y'all for prayers and support. If anyone can help me find ways to kick this habit for good and make my commitment to Christ, which I desperately want to adhere to, an effective reality that has real implications for how I live, I will be so grateful.

Last Edit: Feb 28, 2017 9:37:18 GMT -7 by Deleted

ladystrong
Silver Member

Posts: 453

Newcomer struggling with porn Feb 28, 2017 11:03:39 GMT -7 via mobile

Post by ladystrong on Feb 28, 2017 11:03:39 GMT -7

Welcome to BG. Admitting you have an issue is the first step to getting free of this. I don't have any personal experience with porn but i have felt the effects. I would suggest telling this to one other safe person face to face. When I say "safe" person I mean a man who will keep things confidential, will not judge you, and will keep you accountable to your actions. You can't do this alone, I've seen it in my own husband's life. I pray the Holy Spirit would guide you to the right person. Reading Mike's book will help, too. Keep us posted.

Isaiah 61, God's promise for our marriage.

Deleted
Deleted Member

Posts: 0

Newcomer struggling with porn Apr 2, 2018 5:01:10 GMT -7

Post by Deleted on Apr 2, 2018 5:01:10 GMT -7

Hi!

In CS Lewis' The Great Divorce, a man looking for Heaven must allow an angel to kill the lizard of lust that is sidetracking him. However, after the lizard of lust is killed his carcass is transformed into the horse of desire and resurrected, and the man can now ride to Heaven.

Lust obscures the desire for beauty. The beauty of the rich iconography of my (Orthodox) Church has been pivotal in my overcoming of porn. I do not know what church you attend but I believe that true aesthetic beauty might help you.

Of course, in the real world, unlike in fairy tales, we have to keep killing the lizard of lust and other monsters daily. I have slipped up too. There is no happily ever after in this life, although there are plenty of intimations of it.

Last Edit: Apr 2, 2018 5:03:15 GMT -7 by Deleted