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Right now you’re experiencing adversity in a situation that is uncomfortable or dissatisfying. This is a moment of desolation, and you’re tempted to seek comfort and consolation in creation (ie. a vice or addiction) rather than in the Creator. So the first step in responding to adversity is to “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness” (Matthew 6:33). Seek comfort and consolation in the Creator, who is the Source of comfort, the Source of truth, the Source of life.
 
Take some time to connect with God in prayer. Tell Him what you’re experiencing and why it’s uncomfortable or dissatisfying, and ask Him for help to endure this adversity. Then reflect on the Truth in the following passages from Sacred Scripture:

• Exodus 14:13 – “Do not fear! Stand your ground and see the victory the Lord will win for you today.”
• Exodus 14:14 – “The Lord will fight for you; you have only to keep still.”
• Psalms 18:40 – "You girded me with valor for war, subjugated my opponents beneath me."
• Isaiah 41:10 – “Do not fear: I am with you; do not be anxious: I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.”
• Matthew 11:28 – “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.”
• Luke 1:37 – “For nothing will be impossible for God.”
• 1 Corinthians 10:13 – “No trial has come to you but what is human. God is faithful and will not let you be tried beyond your strength; but with the trial he will also provide a way out, so that you may be able to bear it.”
• 2 Corinthians 12:9 – “He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.’ I will rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me.”
• Ephesians 6:11 – “Put on the armor of God that you may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the devil.”
• Philippians 4:13 – “I have the strength for everything though him who empowers me.”
• Hebrews 2:18 – “Because he himself was tested through what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.”
• Hebrews 12:1 – “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us.”
• James 1:2-4 – “Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials, for you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. And let perseverance be perfect, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
• James 1:12 – “Blessed is the man who perseveres in temptation, for when he has been proved he will receive the crown of life that he promised to those who love him.”
• James 4:7 – “So submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
• 1 Peter 5:8 – “Be sober and vigilant. Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for [someone] to devour.”

Believe it or not, this is a critical step in resisting temptation successfully. By connecting with others in person or on the phone, we accept the help that God offers us through others. Sometimes that help is simply a listening ear, while other times it includes a supportive response that demonstrates we’re not alone and that guides us to the next virtuous action.
 
If you’re a member of ARMOR, talk with someone from the group in person or on the phone about what’s happening, why it’s uncomfortable or dissatisfying, and what your virtuous response will be.
 
If you’re not a member of ARMOR yet, talk with someone who knows your struggle. If no one knows of your struggle, talk with someone you trust about what’s happening and why it’s uncomfortable or dissatisfying even if you don’t mention the vice or addiction that you’re tempted to indulge for comfort. Then, join ARMOR so you can talk to someone who struggles as you do when you need help.

Spend some time offering prayers for your family, others who struggle with a vice or addiction, the families of others who struggle with a vice or addiction, and all those who are impacted by the vice or addiction with which you are struggling. Pray for everyone you’ve encountered today. Pray for anyone else who comes to mind. In this time, you can make a positive impact on the lives of others through the power of prayer.

Complaining leads to negative feelings, thoughts, words, and actions. Gratitude leads to positive feelings, thoughts, words, and actions. Rather than complain about the adversity you’re experiencing, find the “silver lining” in this situation and be grateful for it.
 
Then, affirm yourself positively with words of encouragement. Since “God is love” (1 John 4:8) and humans are made in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26), it follows that we are love. With that in mind, read 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 slowly, but replace “Love” and “It” with your name:
 
_____ is patient, _____ is kind. _____ is not jealous, _____ is not pompous, _____ is not inflated, _____ is not rude, _____ does not seek [his/her] own interests, _____ is not quick-tempered, _____ does not brood over injury, _____ does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. _____ bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

 
*Repeat these steps if you’re still feeling tempted to indulge a vice or addiction.