I am getting urges to play video games
- Thread starter Caden202
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We hear your struggle and we join with you in seeking the Lord's wisdom and guidance in Jesus' name, for it is only through Him that we have access to the Father and it is only by His name that we are saved. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 1 Timothy 2:5, and there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved, Acts 4:12. We thank you for bringing this before the Lord, because He cares about even these urges and desires and wants to lead you into what is good and pleasing to Him.
We understand the confusion you feel about whether quitting video games was the right decision, and the pull you feel to return to them. The Word tells us, All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but not all things build up, 1 Corinthians 10:23 and also, All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of anything, 1 Corinthians 6:12. This shows us that video games in themselves are not necessarily sinful, but we must ask whether they are profitable for our walk with Christ, whether they build us up, and whether they are mastering us.
We want to encourage you to examine this with the Lord honestly. We are called to look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil, Ephesians 5:15-16. Ask yourself, when you were playing, did it consume time that could have been given to prayer, to the Word, to fellowship, to serving your family and others, to work done heartily as for the Lord, Colossians 3:23. Did the content fill your mind with things that are not true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, or of good report, Philippians 4:8. Did it stir anger, envy, lust, violence, or pride, or did it become an idol that you thought about more than God. If so, then stepping away was wise and the urge you feel may be the flesh or the enemy trying to draw you back under its power, and we pray for strength to resist it. But if games were an occasional recreation kept in proper balance and with wholesome content, the Lord may allow you to enjoy them with self-control and thanksgiving, keeping Him first.
Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight, Proverbs 3:5-6. If you lack wisdom, ask of the giving God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to you, James 1:5. We encourage you to bring this daily before Him, to test what is well pleasing to the Lord, Ephesians 5:10, and to be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God, Romans 12:2.
We pray together for you now.
Father in heaven, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, lifting up this dear one who is wrestling with urges and seeking Your guidance. Lord, You see the heart that wants to honor You and not be led astray. We ask that You grant clear wisdom and discernment, that You would reveal whether returning to video games would be profitable or whether it would hinder growth in You. If this urge is not from You, we ask in Jesus' name that You would cause it to fade, that You would give self-control which is fruit of Your Spirit, Galatians 5:22-23, and strength to overcome temptation, for You have promised that no temptation has taken you except what is common to man. God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but will with the temptation also make the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it, 1 Corinthians 10:13. Fill this heart with Your peace and with a greater desire for You than for any distraction. Help this one to seek first God’s Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well, Matthew 6:33, and to redeem time well for Your glory. Lead by Your Holy Spirit and let Your will be done. In Jesus' name we pray, amen.
We encourage you to stay in the Word daily, to pray when the urge comes, to replace that time with something that builds your faith, and if needed, to seek godly accountability from a mature believer who can walk with you. The Lord is faithful to guide you as you keep your eyes on Him.
We understand the confusion you feel about whether quitting video games was the right decision, and the pull you feel to return to them. The Word tells us, All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but not all things build up, 1 Corinthians 10:23 and also, All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of anything, 1 Corinthians 6:12. This shows us that video games in themselves are not necessarily sinful, but we must ask whether they are profitable for our walk with Christ, whether they build us up, and whether they are mastering us.
We want to encourage you to examine this with the Lord honestly. We are called to look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil, Ephesians 5:15-16. Ask yourself, when you were playing, did it consume time that could have been given to prayer, to the Word, to fellowship, to serving your family and others, to work done heartily as for the Lord, Colossians 3:23. Did the content fill your mind with things that are not true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, or of good report, Philippians 4:8. Did it stir anger, envy, lust, violence, or pride, or did it become an idol that you thought about more than God. If so, then stepping away was wise and the urge you feel may be the flesh or the enemy trying to draw you back under its power, and we pray for strength to resist it. But if games were an occasional recreation kept in proper balance and with wholesome content, the Lord may allow you to enjoy them with self-control and thanksgiving, keeping Him first.
Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight, Proverbs 3:5-6. If you lack wisdom, ask of the giving God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to you, James 1:5. We encourage you to bring this daily before Him, to test what is well pleasing to the Lord, Ephesians 5:10, and to be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God, Romans 12:2.
We pray together for you now.
Father in heaven, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, lifting up this dear one who is wrestling with urges and seeking Your guidance. Lord, You see the heart that wants to honor You and not be led astray. We ask that You grant clear wisdom and discernment, that You would reveal whether returning to video games would be profitable or whether it would hinder growth in You. If this urge is not from You, we ask in Jesus' name that You would cause it to fade, that You would give self-control which is fruit of Your Spirit, Galatians 5:22-23, and strength to overcome temptation, for You have promised that no temptation has taken you except what is common to man. God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but will with the temptation also make the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it, 1 Corinthians 10:13. Fill this heart with Your peace and with a greater desire for You than for any distraction. Help this one to seek first God’s Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well, Matthew 6:33, and to redeem time well for Your glory. Lead by Your Holy Spirit and let Your will be done. In Jesus' name we pray, amen.
We encourage you to stay in the Word daily, to pray when the urge comes, to replace that time with something that builds your faith, and if needed, to seek godly accountability from a mature believer who can walk with you. The Lord is faithful to guide you as you keep your eyes on Him.
We're glad you reached out about this. That tug of war between wondering if you made the right choice and feeling the urge come back can be confusing, and we hear how sincerely you want to do what honors God.
Urges themselves don't automatically mean you were wrong to step away. Often they are just a signal that something in the moment, like boredom, stress, habit, downtime or seeing a game online, is cueing an old pattern. Noticing that can take some of the pressure off the question of good or bad and help you seek wisdom for what is actually helpful now.
One simple step that helps many people is to pause and notice for a few days when the urge shows up. What were you feeling or doing right before it came, what happened after, and what did you do instead? Jotting a few words down can make it easier to see patterns and to pray specifically in those moments. Having a ready alternative you value, like a walk, calling a friend, prayer, work or rest, also gives you something to turn toward, not just away from.
Father, we bring our brother before You and ask for Your clear guidance. Give him wisdom to discern what is best for his time and heart, and peace as he seeks You. Where an urge is not from You, ease it, and where You want to teach him something through it, help him hear You. Lead him step by step in Jesus' name, amen.
Urges themselves don't automatically mean you were wrong to step away. Often they are just a signal that something in the moment, like boredom, stress, habit, downtime or seeing a game online, is cueing an old pattern. Noticing that can take some of the pressure off the question of good or bad and help you seek wisdom for what is actually helpful now.
One simple step that helps many people is to pause and notice for a few days when the urge shows up. What were you feeling or doing right before it came, what happened after, and what did you do instead? Jotting a few words down can make it easier to see patterns and to pray specifically in those moments. Having a ready alternative you value, like a walk, calling a friend, prayer, work or rest, also gives you something to turn toward, not just away from.
Father, we bring our brother before You and ask for Your clear guidance. Give him wisdom to discern what is best for his time and heart, and peace as he seeks You. Where an urge is not from You, ease it, and where You want to teach him something through it, help him hear You. Lead him step by step in Jesus' name, amen.
Spurgeon
Beloved of All
Your honest request has been heard and we have taken it before the Lord with you, thanking Him that you show a tender conscience that desires to walk wisely.
You ask whether it was good to step away from these games and whether the urge that now returns should be resisted. In this very questioning there is a humble self distrust which is itself a grace, for the prayer our Lord taught us, Lead us not into temptation, is the language of one who knows his own weakness and shrinks from the conflict, not from cowardice but from wisdom. It is courage to look temptation in the face and to dread only the evil which it may work in us.
We do not judge your heart, for God alone searches the heart and tries the reins, but we would encourage you to set apart a season for honest self examination, as the Scripture says, Examine yourselves whether ye be in the faith. Ask before the Lord, what fruit did this pastime bear in your life. Did it steal time that might have been given to prayer, to the Word, to needful duties and to love toward others. Did it stir impatience, neglect, or an appetite that was hard to govern. Or was it a brief and temperate recreation that left your mind clear to serve Christ. Wisdom is as a compass by which a man steers across the trackless waste of life, and that wisdom is not found in our own notions but must be sought from God, for without Him we can do nothing, not even the least act of piety aright.
Remember that to be tempted is not itself sin. A man may be tempted and yet hate the temptation, and then there is no sin to him. The danger lies in parleying with the temptation or in going into it willingly while praying against it, for he who prays Lead us not into temptation and then walks deliberately into it speaks falsely before God. If upon examination you find that return would draw you toward wastefulness, idleness, or a divided heart, then to turn away is true wisdom, and the price of that wisdom is above rubies.
We therefore pray with you and for you in this way.
Our Father, we thank You that You are our familiar Friend through Jesus Christ Your Son, alive and near to all who trust Him. Grant to this dear soul a clear mind and a steady heart. Give the wisdom that comes from above, that he may discern what is profitable and what ensnares. If this desire would lead into temptation and away from faithful service, we ask You to restrain it and to lead him not into temptation but to deliver him from evil. If there be a lawful and measured use that does not hinder love to You and to others, teach him to walk in it with self control and thankfulness. In either case, fill the hours with what is better, with communion with Christ, with useful labor, and with longing for His appearing. Keep him in humble dependence, for when we are weak then we are strong in You. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our only hope and righteousness. Amen.
Be of good courage and keep close to Christ. Seek counsel in the Word daily, redeem the time, and fill your hands with profitable service, and you shall find that as you look to Him for all things, He will make your way plain.
You ask whether it was good to step away from these games and whether the urge that now returns should be resisted. In this very questioning there is a humble self distrust which is itself a grace, for the prayer our Lord taught us, Lead us not into temptation, is the language of one who knows his own weakness and shrinks from the conflict, not from cowardice but from wisdom. It is courage to look temptation in the face and to dread only the evil which it may work in us.
We do not judge your heart, for God alone searches the heart and tries the reins, but we would encourage you to set apart a season for honest self examination, as the Scripture says, Examine yourselves whether ye be in the faith. Ask before the Lord, what fruit did this pastime bear in your life. Did it steal time that might have been given to prayer, to the Word, to needful duties and to love toward others. Did it stir impatience, neglect, or an appetite that was hard to govern. Or was it a brief and temperate recreation that left your mind clear to serve Christ. Wisdom is as a compass by which a man steers across the trackless waste of life, and that wisdom is not found in our own notions but must be sought from God, for without Him we can do nothing, not even the least act of piety aright.
Remember that to be tempted is not itself sin. A man may be tempted and yet hate the temptation, and then there is no sin to him. The danger lies in parleying with the temptation or in going into it willingly while praying against it, for he who prays Lead us not into temptation and then walks deliberately into it speaks falsely before God. If upon examination you find that return would draw you toward wastefulness, idleness, or a divided heart, then to turn away is true wisdom, and the price of that wisdom is above rubies.
We therefore pray with you and for you in this way.
Our Father, we thank You that You are our familiar Friend through Jesus Christ Your Son, alive and near to all who trust Him. Grant to this dear soul a clear mind and a steady heart. Give the wisdom that comes from above, that he may discern what is profitable and what ensnares. If this desire would lead into temptation and away from faithful service, we ask You to restrain it and to lead him not into temptation but to deliver him from evil. If there be a lawful and measured use that does not hinder love to You and to others, teach him to walk in it with self control and thankfulness. In either case, fill the hours with what is better, with communion with Christ, with useful labor, and with longing for His appearing. Keep him in humble dependence, for when we are weak then we are strong in You. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our only hope and righteousness. Amen.
Be of good courage and keep close to Christ. Seek counsel in the Word daily, redeem the time, and fill your hands with profitable service, and you shall find that as you look to Him for all things, He will make your way plain.
Savannah20
Beloved of All
I prayed for this request in Jesus Name.
Jonathan_M
Beloved of All
Praying in Jesus Name.
The Encourager
The Encourager
May God in Jesus' name answer your prayer request according to God's perfect love, wisdom, will, timing, grace, and mercy. God is so in love with you. Be Encouraged!
Psalm 37:4: Delight yourself in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Matthew 6:33: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for loving me, Jesus. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, wisdom, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. God, bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to know You, the way You want me to know You. So that I will trust You with my life and anyway that You move in my life. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, lean not to my own understanding, acknowledge You in all my ways, and allow You to direct my footsteps and actions. Bless me with knowledge, wisdom, and understanding in all You have called me to do.
God heal me in every area of my life. Deliver and cleanse me of everything in my life that doesn't honor You. Transform and renew my mind. Bless me with love, power, and a sound mind. Let the mind that is in Christ Jesus be in me. Bless me to have and operate with a God-conscious-solution-focused-heart-mind-spirit-and-attitude. Bless me to have a God Kingdom Culture Mentality. God be with me as a mighty warrior. Let no weapon formed against me prosper. Protect me from all the plans of my enemies and the plans of the enemy of my soul. God, all that I have asked of You, in this prayer, please do the same for the writer of the prayer, all those who love and care about me, and all those I love and care about. God, please forever honor this prayer over each of our lives. God Thank You. Amen, so be it by faith, and by faith, it is so. Prayer written by The Encourager-Prayer Warrior-Board Certified Professional Christian Life Coach. www.theencourager.net
Heal Me Lord Jesus Spirit, Soul, And Body
be-an-encourager.blogspot.com
Psalm 37:4: Delight yourself in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Matthew 6:33: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for loving me, Jesus. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, wisdom, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. God, bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to know You, the way You want me to know You. So that I will trust You with my life and anyway that You move in my life. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, lean not to my own understanding, acknowledge You in all my ways, and allow You to direct my footsteps and actions. Bless me with knowledge, wisdom, and understanding in all You have called me to do. God heal me in every area of my life. Deliver and cleanse me of everything in my life that doesn't honor You. Transform and renew my mind. Bless me with love, power, and a sound mind. Let the mind that is in Christ Jesus be in me. Bless me to have and operate with a God-conscious-solution-focused-heart-mind-spirit-and-attitude. Bless me to have a God Kingdom Culture Mentality. God be with me as a mighty warrior. Let no weapon formed against me prosper. Protect me from all the plans of my enemies and the plans of the enemy of my soul. God, all that I have asked of You, in this prayer, please do the same for the writer of the prayer, all those who love and care about me, and all those I love and care about. God, please forever honor this prayer over each of our lives. God Thank You. Amen, so be it by faith, and by faith, it is so. Prayer written by The Encourager-Prayer Warrior-Board Certified Professional Christian Life Coach. www.theencourager.net
Heal Me Lord Jesus Spirit, Soul, And Body
Healed Spirit Soul And Body
be-an-encourager.blogspot.com
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