Desire To Change
Thursday March 26, 2020
Whether in Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous, Tradition Three highlights that the only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking or using.
Jesus tells us: Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. (Matthew 26:41 NIV, Philippians 2:13 NLT)
Most of us find it is not difficult to dislike the suffering and inconvenience we experience alongside using and drinking. It really does take an act of God, though, to change our desire to drink and use again. It really is a miracle that God can work in us so the obsession to pick up is removed. We’re told that we can expect a “daily reprieve” as we maintain our life with God on a daily basis. We need God’s help to be sober today. We need our actions to be led by God so inner change in our desires deepens.
As we add one day of sobriety to another, we notice change around us. Our relationships are more joyful and peaceful. We experience some success and confidence begins to grow in us. The blur in our minds begins to clear. We find ourselves laughing and enjoying simple pleasures. All these things added together support our desire to not drink or use.
Underneath all of this is the fact that, as we experience conscious contact with God, He faithfully makes changes in our desires. The more we do what God says works, the more we experience the peace of God and a sense of well-being deep in our soul. Life with God shows itself to be sweeter than a life of drinking or using.
Find your delight in the Lord. Then he will give you everything your heart really wants. Live by the Holy Spirit’s power. Then you will not do what your desires controlled by sin want you to do. (Psalm 37:4, Galatians 5:16 NIRV)
Prayer: Heavenly Father, change me from the inside out. Help me to enjoy the blessings of today but most of all to enjoy You and how trustworthy and good You are. Help me to experience this promise that life with You is sweeter than a life of drinking or using. Amen
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