Just for Today – November 23 – God’s Will

“The relief of ‘letting go and letting God’ helps us develop a life that is worth living.”
– Basic Text, page 26

In active addiction, many of us clung tightly to the illusion of control. We manipulated, lied, and schemed, believing we could manage the chaos of our lives. But this illusion only deepened our fears and insecurities. In recovery, we learn that true freedom comes not from controlling every outcome but from surrendering to a Higher Power. By trusting in this Power’s will, we find the serenity and strength to face life as it comes.

The Illusion of Control

In addiction, control was our constant obsession. We went to great lengths to manage how others perceived us, protect our secrets, and manipulate situations to our advantage. These efforts were exhausting and ultimately futile, as our addiction eroded every facade we tried to maintain.

This illusion of control kept us trapped in fear. We feared exposure, failure, and the unknown. The harder we tried to hold on, the more unmanageable our lives became.

The Power of Surrender

Recovery offers a different path—one of surrender. By working the Second and Third Steps, we acknowledge that we cannot manage our lives on our own. We come to believe in a Higher Power and make the decision to turn our will and lives over to this Power.

This surrender isn’t about giving up; it’s about letting go of the struggle to control everything. When we trust in our Higher Power, we release the fear and anxiety that once ruled our lives. We begin to experience the peace that comes from knowing we don’t have to have all the answers.

Living in Alignment with God’s Will

Surrendering to a Higher Power doesn’t mean passivity. It means aligning our actions and attitudes with spiritual principles, trusting that our Higher Power’s will is better than anything we could devise on our own.

When we feel ourselves slipping back into old patterns of control, we can return to Steps Two and Three:

• Step Two: Reflect on what we’ve come to believe about our Higher Power. Do we trust that this Power can care for us and restore us to sanity?
• Step Three: Reaffirm our decision to let go of self-will and trust in the guidance of our Higher Power.

By practicing these steps, we find the courage to face life’s ups and downs without resorting to manipulation or fear.

The Gift of Serenity

The greatest gift of surrender is serenity. When we stop trying to control every outcome, we free ourselves to live fully in the present moment. We can accept life’s disappointments and sorrows without being consumed by them, and we can embrace its joys and wonders with gratitude.

Serenity doesn’t mean life will always go according to plan. It means we trust that, whatever happens, we have the strength and support to navigate it. This trust allows us to let go of fear and live with a sense of peace and purpose.

Practicing Surrender Daily

Surrender is not a one-time decision but a daily practice. Each day, we have the opportunity to release our need for control and place our trust in our Higher Power. This practice might include:

• Prayer and Meditation: Taking time each day to connect with our Higher Power and seek guidance.
• Inventory: Identifying areas where we’re clinging to control and choosing to let go.
• Service: Focusing on helping others, which shifts our attention away from self-centered fears.

Through these actions, we deepen our trust in our Higher Power and strengthen our ability to live in alignment with spiritual principles.