Living One Day At A Time

The Serenity Prayer is the common name for a prayer authored by the American theologian Reinhold Niebuhr.  The first few lines are the most familiar, as they are regularly spoken at most 12-Step meetings but there are other treasures in how to live well in recovery in the rest of the prayer. After the words “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference” the next phrase in this prayer is “Living one day at a time, enjoying one moment at a time.”

Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires. Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you.  (Psalm 37:3-5 NLT)

How many times have we watched athletes and marveled at the ease with which they perform their sport?  We know their ability was developed through rigorous training one day at a time, over many months and years.  The spiritual discipline of a daily inventory, or even a moment-by-moment one, is required if we are to live well each day and grow strong in our life with God in recovery.  We need to let the principles of God’s word challenge, stretch, and develop us as we draw close to Him and live in the light of His presence. 

Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us. (2 Timothy 3:17 MSG)

Prayer: Heavenly Father, As I follow Your principles for healthy living help me to live one day at a time, one moment at a time, in the awareness of Your Presence ever with me, as I choose to do those things that please You.  Amen

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