One of the most important skills we can learn on the path to sexual integrity is how to redirect sexual desire. In the Renewed Man program, we talk about twelve core practices that support long-term recovery — and this is one of them.

If your approach is simply to “shut down” your sexual urges, you’ll eventually burn out. Suppression doesn’t lead to freedom. At some point, you have to learn how to do something positive with that energy.

We emphasize that our sex drive is a gift from God — it’s not something to feel ashamed of. But like any powerful gift, it needs to be guided.

One of the ways we do that is through this practice of intentional redirection. It won’t happen on its own. And you won’t master it in a day. But you can learn it — and with time, it becomes more natural.

Below are five practices that form the heart of this process. Some of these are daily habits, others are strategies you call on in moments of struggle. All of them take effort — but they’re worth it.

1. Limit Exposure to Erotic Content

This may seem obvious, but it has to be said: the practice of redirecting sexual desire won’t work if you’re regularly consuming erotic or provocative media.

Even content that doesn’t qualify as “porn” can still stir up desire and short-circuit your ability to focus. Repeated exposure artificially ramps up your sex drive and makes it harder to live with self-control.

This isn’t just a one-time clean-up of your media feeds. It’s an ongoing commitment. If you’re trying to redirect sexual desire on Wednesday after binging erotic content on Monday and Tuesday… you’re setting yourself up to fail.

Create distance. Give your brain and body time to reset. Only then can the deeper practices start to take hold.

2. Anchor Yourself in Purpose

Desire doesn’t just disappear — it gets redirected. So the question is: Where are you sending that energy?

Each day — especially in the morning — take time to reconnect with your purpose. You may not have one clear life mission (most people don’t), but identify at least a few things you’re committed to. A relationship you want to strengthen. A skill you’re trying to develop. A way you’re called to serve.

Then make it part of your daily rhythm to name that commitment — and ask: “How can I live this out today?”

Without a bigger “yes” to something meaningful, it will be nearly impossible to say “no” to unhealthy sexual behavior.

3. Set Your Intention in Prayer

After reconnecting to your purpose, take a minute to ask for God’s help. This can be simple:

“Lord, today I want to live with integrity. Help me direct my energy toward the good things you’ve called me to. I want to control my desires — not be controlled by them.”

Some people write these kinds of prayers in a journal. Others verbalize them silently, during their devotional time or a morning walk. However you do it, the important thing is this: make it part of your daily rhythm.

4. Meditate with Your Body, Not Just Your Mind

This step might stretch you a bit, but stay with me: Take time to sit in silence and imagine the energy of your body — especially that drive centered in your lower body — moving upward. Picture it flowing into your heart and your mind.

This practice clarifies that our focus is not on denying or trying to suppress our sexual desire. It’s about channeling it — moving it into the parts of us that connect with love, compassion, purpose, and vision.

If talk of “energy” feels too foreign or mystical, think biblically: in both Hebrew and Greek, the word for “Spirit” also means “breath.” God breathed life into Adam. Jesus breathed the Holy Spirit onto his disciples. This life force — this breath — is what animates and empowers us.

We’re not just bodies. We’re not just brains. We are spiritual beings, animated by Spirit, the breath of God. Our bodies can become instruments of God’s Spirit — if we learn how to direct our focus and intention.

5. When You’re Tempted, Move

Temptation doesn’t just live in your thoughts — it lives in your body.

So when you feel that pull, get up. Move. Change your physical state. Take a walk. Splash water on your face. Do some stretches. Step outside. Move your body, and your mind will often follow.

Trying to think your way out of lustful thoughts rarely -- if ever --  works. So instead, interrupt the pattern physically -- and in that new state, pray again:

“God, I want to live with integrity. Help me redirect my energy. Help me remember who I am and what I’m here for.”

Then turn your attention back to something good, something purposeful — something worth your energy.