The Power of Connection

For most of my life, I didn’t recognize the tactics Satan uses to fuel addiction. It’s only in recent years that I’ve begun to understand them. Like any skilled adversary, he shifts his approach depending on where I am in life.

When I lose even the slightest bit of focus from feeling closely connected to God and others, Satan's attacks become subtle and calculated. They often begin as quiet thoughts that stroke my ego or seem harmless — thoughts that suggest I can skip something good just this once, that it’s okay to delay something meaningful, or that I’m too busy to do what’s right. Gradually, these whispers pull me away from the very connections that keep me grounded.

It happens so gradually that I hardly notice — until I realize I’m alone. And that’s when he strikes at my core beliefs. With relentless jabs to my conscience, he reminds me of our old agreements: ”You’re not good enough. You’re not worth the time. Everything else matters more than you.” That’s when the descent into isolation and relapse begins.

If Satan launches these attacks while I am surrounded by love and connection, he is not successful. He knows he must first lead me away — slowly, quietly — until I’m vulnerable and disconnected. Recognizing this pattern has given profound meaning to the phrase: “The opposite of addiction is connection.” I believe that with all my heart.

Today, I’m still here because of the connections I’ve built within myself, with my brothers and sisters in the Gospel, with my family, and most importantly, with my Savior. Staying close to them gives me the strength and awareness I need to resist the enemy’s attacks. Even when I’ve stumbled, the grace of Jesus has sustained me. His light and the connections He’s blessed me with have pulled me out of darkness time and time again.

By Adam, Guest Writer