Step One It Just Doesn't Work
Monday November 18, 2013
Step One: We admitted that we were powerless over our dependencies, that our lives had become unmanageable.
There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death. (Proverbs 14:12 NIV)
The Lord looks down from heaven on the entire human race; he looks to see if anyone is truly wise, if anyone seeks God. But no, all have turned away; all have become corrupt. No one does good, no not a single one! (Psalm 14:2-3)
For a time, in our addiction, we may have felt successful. Partying made us feel good. A relationship made us feel loved. A chemical gave us an unbelievable rush. A couple of drinks helped us relax and feel like we were somebody. A pocketful of stolen money paid for what we desperately wanted. Another pizza and a pop tasted so good. Playing games, surfing the net, or watching TV took our mind off worries and frustrations. However, before long these habits brought their own set of troubles and worries and hardships. Instead of life getting better, it was spinning out of control. Instead of relationships growing closer they fell apart. Instead of getting closer to the good life, we realized we were further and further away from anything that even hinted at goodness.
For all of us there comes a time when we can no longer avoid the realization that our lives are just a horrible mess. When we come to this place of brokenness and helplessness, and finally admit that all is not well, we need to make a choice about where life is going from here. How? We must admit that our addictive habits are causing us further harm and not giving us any relief from the reality of life we are trying to avoid. The addiction is not masking our problems but creating many more that we are unable to cover up. We must admit defeat, admit we can’t do things on our own, and admit that we need help.
Have compassion on me, Lord, for I am weak. Heal me, Lord, for my bones are in agony. I am sick at heart. How long, O Lord, until you restore me? Return, O Lord, and rescue me. Save me because of your unfailing love. (Psalm 6:2-4 NLT)
The good news is that when we call out to God, God responds to us with love and forgiveness. The question is, will we admit defeat and call out to God today?
©2013 Partners in Hope
More information on this and other related topics @ www.partnersinhope.ca/resources
Audio for Step One It Just Doesn't Work
Recent Meditations
Giving Hope
Partners in Hope is supported wholly by our friends and community. We are thankful to everyone who partners with us to help bring hope to the discouraged, hurting, and hopeless.