Remember God
Right smack in the middle of page 121 in The Twelve Traditions and The Twelve Steps is the reason I can get myself all in a swivet – which may lead to a dangerous place. “. . . [W]orst of all we forgot God.”
When troubles press in, especially, but not limited to, financial woes I forget basic truths when I entertain fears. Feeling fear is not automatically wrong – it can be life preserving, given the circumstances. But most times, when I am afraid, I have let my heart and mind wander into territory that is not mine to tend.
- Sometimes, I have wandered away from my side of the street and am busying myself helping others do what they must do for themselves.
- Sometimes I am worried over things I cannot control – like the cost of tea in China and other hot topics.
I see that I can overcome gut-wrenching, joy-robbing troubles — maybe even, sobriety-endangering fear — if I accept the reality, God did not die and leave me in charge of anything but my own choices.
So, I choose to remember thus far God has led me.
I may be given more than I think I can handle – that’s when I need to remember: being sober is a great thing, when troubles come knocking. Enjoying sobriety, especially when troubles knock me down, is one of the promises upon which I can rely:
. . . Fear of people and of economic insecurity will leave us. We will intuitively know how to handle situations which used to baffle us. We will suddenly realize that God is doing for us what we could not do for ourselves. (The AA Promises)“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
How about you, dear reader? What are you forgetting about God in whatever circumstances you find yourself today?
Love in Christ,
Sober & Grateful
