Acknowledging bondage and the moment of choosing to seek help
Romans 7:18–20 (NIV)
“For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing.”
Addiction doesn’t start as a chain. It begins as a choice—a relief, a momentary escape, a way to quiet the storm inside. But slowly, quietly, what you once controlled starts controlling you. And before you know it, what you thought was freedom becomes a prison.
Paul’s words in Romans 7 sound like the diary of every person who’s ever fought addiction: “I do not do the good I want to do…” The good news is that God doesn’t turn away from those trapped in chains. In fact, it’s the chained that Jesus came to free.
The first step to freedom isn’t perfection—it’s honesty. It’s looking at the broken pieces, admitting, “I can’t do this on my own,” and believing that God can still write a new chapter. Every chain begins to crack when you make a choice to reach for His hand instead of another escape.
Reflection Questions
- What “chains” in your life feel impossible to break?
- How have your past choices shaped your present, and what choice can you make today to move toward healing?
- What would it look like to let God into the very moment you usually try to handle alone?
MUSIC: SONG: CHAINS AND CHOICES
(Verse 1)
I was
runnin’ from the pain
Drinkin’ down the shame
Tryin’ to kill the silenceThat kept
callin’ out my name
Thought I had control
But it owned my soul
Every step I took
Was just another lost road
(Pre-Chorus)Mercy found me
In the midnight noise
I heard freedom
In a still, small voice
(Chorus)
Every chain I wrapped around me
Started with a choice
But Jesus broke ‘
em openWith the power of His voice
From the darkness to the dawning
From the pit to His rejoicing
Now I’m
standin’ unashamedNo more chains and choices
(Verse 2)
Tried to fight it on my own
Built my walls of stone
They crumbled down like dust
The day He called me home
Now I see the light
Burnin’ through the nightI
ain’t ever turnin’ backI’m
walkin’ in His might
(Pre-Chorus)
Mercy found me
In the midnight noise
I heard freedom
In a still, small voice
(Chorus)
Every chain I wrapped around me
Started with a choice
But Jesus broke ‘
em openWith the power of His voice
From the darkness to the dawning
From the pit to His rejoicing
Now I’m
standin’ unashamedNo more chains and choices
(Bridge)Hallelujah, chains are fallin’
Hallelujah, grace is callin’
From the valley to redemption’s hill
Freedom’s voice is louder still
(Final Chorus)
Every chain I wrapped around me
Started with a choice
But Jesus broke ‘em open
With the power of His voice
From the darkness to the dawning
From the pit to His rejoicing
Now I’m dancin’ in His grace
No more chains and choices
(Tag)
Yeah, no more chains and choices
Chains and choices
Lord, You see the chains I hide from everyone else. I’ve tried breaking free in my own strength, but it only left me weaker. Today, I choose honesty. I choose You. Take my broken choices and lead me into Your freedom. Amen.