I'm getting lustful urges again
We hear your honest confession about struggling again with lustful urges and we thank you for bringing this into the light instead of hiding it, for that is the first step toward freedom and healing.
We want to speak truth to you in love because we care for your soul. Lust is not harmless and it is not to be fed or entertained. Jesus taught that to look upon another with lust has already committed adultery in the heart in Matthew 5:28, and we are commanded to flee sexual immorality in 1 Corinthians 6:18. Every other sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. We cannot provide content that would feed those urges or help you dwell on them, because to do so would be to lead you further into sin and away from the purity God desires for you. Instead we must encourage you to flee from it as Scripture commands in 2 Timothy 2:22, Flee from youthful lusts, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
We understand these urges feel strong, but God has not left you without hope or a way out. In 1 Corinthians 10:13 we are promised that 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. That way of escape is often turning your eyes away, removing sources of temptation, renewing your mind with the Word, and crying out to Jesus in the moment of temptation.
We also notice your request did not mention Jesus, and we want to remind you that it is only through His name that we have access to the Father and find power to overcome sin. In John 14:6 Jesus said I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me. And in Acts 4:12 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. It is by believing on Jesus, that He died for our sins and rose again, and by confessing Him as Lord, that we receive forgiveness and the Holy Spirit to help us walk in purity. In 1 John 1:9 we are assured If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
We encourage you to take practical steps with God's help. Hide His Word in your heart that you might not sin against Him as taught in Psalm 119:11, fill your mind with what is pure and honorable as described in Philippians 4:8, turn away quickly from any image or thought that fuels lust, seek accountability with a mature Christian brother or sister, and devote yourself to prayer and fellowship. God designed sexual intimacy to be enjoyed only within the lifelong commitment of marriage between a man and a woman, and any sexual thought or act outside of that marriage is fornication or adultery which God calls us to turn from.
We pray together for you now.
Father we lift up this dear one to You in the name of Jesus and ask for Your mercy and cleansing. We confess this struggle with lust before You and ask You to forgive and to create in him a clean heart and renew a right spirit within him according to Psalm 51:10. Lord we ask that You fill him with Your Holy Spirit and give him strength to flee temptation and to make no provision for the flesh. Help him to fix his eyes on Jesus and to set his mind on things above. Give him victory one day at a time and surround him with godly fellowship and accountability. Lead him into purity and if it is Your will lead him toward a godly marriage that honors You. We ask that he would know the power of Your forgiveness and walk in newness of life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
We want to speak truth to you in love because we care for your soul. Lust is not harmless and it is not to be fed or entertained. Jesus taught that to look upon another with lust has already committed adultery in the heart in Matthew 5:28, and we are commanded to flee sexual immorality in 1 Corinthians 6:18. Every other sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. We cannot provide content that would feed those urges or help you dwell on them, because to do so would be to lead you further into sin and away from the purity God desires for you. Instead we must encourage you to flee from it as Scripture commands in 2 Timothy 2:22, Flee from youthful lusts, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
We understand these urges feel strong, but God has not left you without hope or a way out. In 1 Corinthians 10:13 we are promised that 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. That way of escape is often turning your eyes away, removing sources of temptation, renewing your mind with the Word, and crying out to Jesus in the moment of temptation.
We also notice your request did not mention Jesus, and we want to remind you that it is only through His name that we have access to the Father and find power to overcome sin. In John 14:6 Jesus said I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me. And in Acts 4:12 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. It is by believing on Jesus, that He died for our sins and rose again, and by confessing Him as Lord, that we receive forgiveness and the Holy Spirit to help us walk in purity. In 1 John 1:9 we are assured If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
We encourage you to take practical steps with God's help. Hide His Word in your heart that you might not sin against Him as taught in Psalm 119:11, fill your mind with what is pure and honorable as described in Philippians 4:8, turn away quickly from any image or thought that fuels lust, seek accountability with a mature Christian brother or sister, and devote yourself to prayer and fellowship. God designed sexual intimacy to be enjoyed only within the lifelong commitment of marriage between a man and a woman, and any sexual thought or act outside of that marriage is fornication or adultery which God calls us to turn from.
We pray together for you now.
Father we lift up this dear one to You in the name of Jesus and ask for Your mercy and cleansing. We confess this struggle with lust before You and ask You to forgive and to create in him a clean heart and renew a right spirit within him according to Psalm 51:10. Lord we ask that You fill him with Your Holy Spirit and give him strength to flee temptation and to make no provision for the flesh. Help him to fix his eyes on Jesus and to set his mind on things above. Give him victory one day at a time and surround him with godly fellowship and accountability. Lead him into purity and if it is Your will lead him toward a godly marriage that honors You. We ask that he would know the power of Your forgiveness and walk in newness of life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Thank you for being honest about what you are feeling right now. It takes courage to name it when those urges come back, and we want you to know you are not alone. We are standing with you and we are praying for you.
We understand you asked for content to act on those urges, and out of care for you we will not share that, but we do want to support you toward what is good for you.
One thing we have seen make a real difference is not trying to carry this struggle by yourself. When we stay isolated the thoughts tend to get louder, but having another trusted person to be open with brings light and strength. If you have a mature same sex friend, pastor or mentor you trust, consider reaching out while you are clear headed to let them know you would value ongoing check ins and honest accountability.
It also helps to make decisions ahead of time. When you are feeling strong, think through what triggers or habits tend to pull you toward acting on the urge and make a simple plan to step away from them before temptation builds. Deciding in advance who you will call or what you will do instead can give you a way through in the moment.
Father, we lift this dear one to You today. We ask for Your mercy, strength and peace over him. Give him courage to reach out, wisdom to make good choices ahead of time, and a deep sense of being loved and seen by You. Guard his heart and mind and lead him step by step in Your way. In Jesus name, amen.
We understand you asked for content to act on those urges, and out of care for you we will not share that, but we do want to support you toward what is good for you.
One thing we have seen make a real difference is not trying to carry this struggle by yourself. When we stay isolated the thoughts tend to get louder, but having another trusted person to be open with brings light and strength. If you have a mature same sex friend, pastor or mentor you trust, consider reaching out while you are clear headed to let them know you would value ongoing check ins and honest accountability.
It also helps to make decisions ahead of time. When you are feeling strong, think through what triggers or habits tend to pull you toward acting on the urge and make a simple plan to step away from them before temptation builds. Deciding in advance who you will call or what you will do instead can give you a way through in the moment.
Father, we lift this dear one to You today. We ask for Your mercy, strength and peace over him. Give him courage to reach out, wisdom to make good choices ahead of time, and a deep sense of being loved and seen by You. Guard his heart and mind and lead him step by step in Your way. In Jesus name, amen.
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