“One day at a time” is a pivotal teaching from NA and AA. For people in recovery, thinking about the future can make staying sober more difficult. To imagine not having the escape of getting high or numb can be overwhelming. Not knowing what will happen in your life makes it seem impossible to know how you’ll get through it.
In Matthew Chapter 6, verse 27, Jesus says, ” Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? (or a single cubit to his height?)” Now that’s some major perspective! Jesus goes on to say in verse 34, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” [NIV Bible]
So Jesus is acknowledging that this life is tough. And He is also advising us to handle each day on its own so that we don’t get overwhelmed.
So what can we do when we are in the midst of a very hard day? In Matthew Chapter 11, verses 28-30, Jesus says, “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and my burden is light.” [NIV Bible]
A lot happened during my childhood that left me uncertain and insecure. My childhood was worse than some and better than others. I understand that suffering is relative. There is always someone who has felt more pain and endured more than I had to. And I am grateful that God gave me His mercy and comfort long before I truly acknowledged Him.
I know what it’s like to barely get through the days. I hope it doesn’t sound too self-pitying to say that I refer to my bad days as “surviving my life.” But this much I am sure of–God understands me, He knows what I go through, and He cares.
Since I was saved 12 years ago, I have had the comfort of knowing that I will live past this life. I know that my grief, my depression, my fears, my lost potential, my failures, my pain, all of it will be replaced with an eternal life that won’t include any of the above!
I love this Scripture from John Chapter 16, verse 33: Jesus says, “I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble, but take heart! I have overcome the world.” [NIV Bible]
Be honest with God. Tell Him you don’t know how to stop worrying about the future. Tell Him you need His help to get through the day. Tell Him you need relief. Go each day, one at a time, not alone, but with God.