Is Pain Your Justification for Porn? Today's Three-minute Bible Study Print, Study and Apply Title: Is Pain Your Justification for Porn? ------------------------------------- Date: 4/16/2002 Keywords: "affliction” “hurt” “pain" Welcome to eXXit, the web site designed to help you stand strong in the face of sexual temptation. Passage: Psalm 119:71-77* 71. It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I may learn your statutes. 72. The law of Your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces. 73. Your hands made me and fashioned me; give me understanding, that I may learn Your commandments. 74. May those who fear You see me and be glad, because I wait for Your word. 75. I know, O Lord, that Your judgments are righteous, and that in faithfulness You have afflicted me. 76. O may Your lovingkindness comfort me, according to Your word to Your servant. 77. May Your compassion come to me that I may live, for Your law is my delight. Questions 1. When was the last time you thanked God for your problems?   2. What are some good things that come from struggling with difficulties like loneliness or porn addiction?   Practical help Sometimes we look for release from painful lives in things like pornography. We are hurt and frustrated that God allows us to suffer, and so we decide to help ourselves to something that will enable us to escape the pain just a little while. I wonder how many addictions start with this logic? Is there an alternative to giving in to sin? Take a look at this psalmist’s solution. By focusing on God as good, he is able to see something good about his affliction. He begins to see that his hurts force him to rely more on God. Because he is crippled in some way, he turns to God’s Word to find answers and comfort. In fact, he discovers that his pain has led him to a treasure he has grown to value more than unlimited wealth. What’s better, he reasons, money and power, or knowing your Creator? In the end when you die, which will matter more to you? Note that He also begins to thank God for being behind the scenes, including behind his affliction. He begins to see that God loved him so much that He wasn’t about to let him have an easy, godless, worthless life. Instead, He would give him enough pain to draw his attention away from things. How about you? If you are still angry with God, tell Him. He can take it. But don’t run away thinking sinful pleasure will meet your needs. Have a great day. eXXit homepage Index of three-minute studies Copyright 2002 by eXXit *"Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, © Copyright The Lockman Foundation 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995. Used by permission." ---