If you are facing temptation today, these words of challenge from John Piper which I have edited just a bit are sound, biblical counsel. Your temptation may be to grasp for power when you feel vulnerable, or to succumb to lust, or to despair when something doesn’t work out like you had hoped:

Here is a set of strategies for our war against temptation. An acronym, A N T H E M.

A – AVOID as much as is possible and reasonable the sights and situations that arouse inordinate desires. Look at Joseph: He refused the temptress’ advances (v.8). “He would not listen to her and he would not even be with her (v.10). “He fled and got out of the house (v.11). “Avoiding” is a Biblical strategy. “Flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness” (2 Timothy 2:22). “Make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires” (Romans 13:14).

N – Say NO to every lustful thought within five seconds. You must mount a violent counterattack with your mind. And say it with the authority of Jesus Christ. “In the name of Jesus, NO!” John Owen said, “Be killing sin or it will be killing you.” 2 Corinthians 10:5 “No! Get out of my mind! O God, in the name of Jesus, help me! Save me now for I am yours.”

T – TURN your mind forcefully toward Christ as a superior satisfaction. Have you ever in the first five seconds of temptation, demanded of your mind that it look steadfastly at the crucified Lord Jesus Christ? Donne – “Batter my heart, three-person’d God; for you… Take me to you, imprison me, for I, Except you enthrall me, never shall be free, Nor ever chaste, except you ravish me.”

H – HOLD the promise and the pleasure of Christ firmly in your mind until it pushes the other images out. “Fix your eyes on Jesus” (Hebrews 3:1). Here is where many fail. They give in too soon.

E – ENJOY a superior satisfaction. One reason lust reigns in us is that Christ has so little appeal. What steps have you taken to arouse your affection for Jesus? You were created to treasure Christ with all your heart. Plead with God for the satisfaction you don’t have: “Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days” (Psalm 143:8).

M – MOVE into a useful activity, away from idleness and other vulnerable behaviors. Look at Joseph: Faithfully doing in his work (v.11). Lust grows fast in the garden of leisure. Find a good work to do, and do it with all your might.