By Dr. Floyd Godfrey

For many people, admitting a struggle with pornography addiction is one of the most difficult steps they will ever take. It’s a moment filled with conflicting emotions—shame, fear, and even anger. Yet, as painful as it may be to face the truth, it’s also the moment where freedom begins. When you surrender your battle to God and acknowledge that you cannot do it on your own, you open the door to healing, redemption, and transformation.

As Carnes et al. (2003) so eloquently state, “At this point, you may be experiencing a range of feelings—confusion, concern, frustrations, anger—as you begin to look more closely at the situation you're in, feelings of loss and hopelessness. Such feelings are very common” (p. 109). These emotions often surface when individuals recognize the grip pornography addiction has on their lives. The confusion and despair are understandable, especially when you’ve attempted countless times to stop, only to find yourself back in the same cycle. But there is hope—true, lasting hope.

The Moment of Realization: “I Can’t Do This Alone”

Acknowledging the severity of the problem is a monumental step. Many who struggle with pornography have resolved countless times to stop, only to fail again and again. Carnes et al. (2003) explain, “You’ve probably had many moments when you resolved to change, control, or stop your cybersex behaviors, but you didn’t. That’s because you didn’t really understand that you had a serious problem” (p. 109). This truth is sobering, yet liberating. Realizing that you cannot fix this on your own is not a sign of weakness—it’s a step toward the freedom that God desires for you.

Scripture reminds us of the necessity of dependence on God. In John 15:5, Jesus declares, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” These words emphasize our deep need for God in all areas of life, especially in breaking free from sin. When we try to rely solely on our strength, we will fail. But when we surrender our struggles to God, He steps in to provide the grace, strength, and wisdom we need.

The Freedom of Surrender

The beauty of surrendering to God is that it is not about giving up; it is about giving in to His will and allowing Him to work in your life. Carnes et al. (2003) note, “The good news, although it may be hard to believe right now, is that understanding the significance of your problem is really the beginning of the recovery process” (p. 109). When you take that first step of admitting your addiction and its consequences, you are paving the way for transformation. This is not an easy process, but it is a necessary one.

True recovery requires a heart that is willing to accept the reality of the situation and to lean on God for healing. Carnes et al. (2003) summarize this beautifully: “What we’re talking about now is how you can get to the point of accepting your situation and as a result make positive changes” (p. 109). Acceptance does not mean condoning or excusing your actions; it means acknowledging the truth so that you can begin the journey toward wholeness.

God’s Desire for Your Healing

God does not want you to live in the bondage of pornography addiction. His desire is for you to experience the freedom and peace that come from walking in the light of His truth. Psalm 34:18 reminds us, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” If you feel crushed by the weight of your addiction, know that God is near. He sees your pain, and He longs to heal you.

Recovery begins with honesty—with God, with yourself, and with trusted others. Find a pastor, counselor, or accountability partner who can support you in this journey. James 5:16 encourages us to “confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” This act of confession and prayer can bring tremendous healing and strength.

Conclusion

Admitting you have a pornography addiction and surrendering to God is the first and most crucial step toward freedom. While it may feel like the end, it is actually the beginning of a new chapter in your life. God desires to restore you, to renew your mind, and to walk alongside you as you heal.

Floyd Godfrey PhD is a Board Certified Christian Counselor and has facilitated groups within different churches and denominations over the past 30 years. He worked as a licensed clinician for 23 years and provided supervision and training for other counselors as they worked toward independent licensure. You can read more about Floyd Godfrey PhD at www.FloydGodfrey.com.

References
Carnes, P., Laaser, M., & Adams, S. (2003). Facing the Shadow: Starting Sexual and Relationship Recovery. Gentle Path Press.