Living one day at a time: A key to sobriety and happiness
At a typical Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meeting, members are often given sobriety chips to commemorate their milestones of abstinence from alcohol.
AA chips are small, round tokens given to people in recovery, kind of like a proof of living one day at a time.
Sobriety coins symbolize time without substance use, reminding individuals to focus on the present and take each day as it comes.
Although AA sobriety chips are not a mandatory part of the 12-Step Program, it is a common practice to use them and part of AA culture.
Moreover, sobriety chips are frequently used in AA and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) fellowships to mark significant milestones, providing a tangible reminder of the value of sobriety.
People often carry them in their purse or pocket as a visible testament to their progress and the distance they have traveled.
Consequently, living one day at a time also reminds us of the Biblical perspective to nurture the day, forget the past, and not be anxious about tomorrow as a secret to a happy and contented life.
The Israelites in the desert: Living one day at a time
"Behold, I am about to rain bread from heaven for you, and the people shall go out and gather a day's portion every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in my law or not." - Exodus 16:4
After leaving Egypt, the Israelites quickly became discontent and grumbled in the desert, expressing their longing for the days when they had plenty to eat in Egypt.
They complained to Moses and Aaron, lamenting their fate of starving in the wilderness (v.3).
Responding to their grievances, the Lord provided for them by sending bread from heaven every morning for six days, and in the evening, He sent quails as well (vv.4, 12-13).
God instructed the Israelites to gather only enough manna for each day, warning that any excess would spoil (v.20).
Additionally, He commanded them to collect a double portion on the sixth day to account for the Sabbath, a day of rest, when the manna would not rot (v.24).
In a later period, Jesus emphasized the importance of storing up treasures in heaven rather than on earth.
Earthly possessions are susceptible to destruction and theft, but treasures in heaven remain secure and everlasting (Matthew 6:19-20).
During their 40 years in the desert, God used this provision of daily bread and the Sabbath observance to teach the Israelites valuable lessons. They were instructed to live one day at a time, cultivating contentment and gratitude.
Through their experience, God established His kingdom's attributes and asserted His preeminent authority on earth.
Sober living: One day at a time
"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." - Matthew 6:34
Recovering addicts struggle to stay aware due to their restless minds consumed by addiction. They often romanticize the past and daydream about an uncertain future.
Despite knowing their lives are far from ideal, marked by bondage and rejection as societal outcasts, they seek solace in drugs as a temporary escape from past pains and future uncertainties.
However, like the disgruntled Israelites, these individuals must learn to focus on the present and entrust the future to a higher power.
Dwelling on the past or yearning for the future wastes the preciousness of life and the limited time. Instead, they should embrace each day, allowing God to handle what lies ahead.
Recovery is a challenging journey that cannot be rushed. Initially, it involves grappling with the torment of drug withdrawal and readjusting to reality, making every day a painful struggle.
Nonetheless, each day of sobriety represents a significant triumph worthy of celebration. These sober days gradually accumulate into months and years.
The Lord's Prayer explicitly emphasizes the importance of living in the present: "Give us today our daily bread" (Matthew 6:11).
Similarly, Hebrews 3:13 urges believers to encourage one another daily, preventing the hardening of hearts due to the deceitfulness of sin.
Expressing gratitude for our lives, finding contentment in our current circumstances, and investing ourselves wholeheartedly in our present tasks are vital to healing.
The more we can anchor ourselves in the present moment, the smoother our journey toward recovery will become.
10 Practical ways to successfully live one day at a time
A personalized calendar. (Photo by Bich Tran from Pexels)
The following steps can help people attain the joy of daily living:
1. Start each day with prayer and an attitude of gratitude. Asking God for guidance and taking time to reflect on the positive aspects of life begins the day in a good place.
2. Set a goal to reach by the end of the day. Having one achievable plan to get provides a focus and an incentive.
3. Reach out to someone and make a connection. Making time to connect with someone, even if it's just a short conversation, can make a difference.
4. Take time to relax and de-stress. Taking a few moments to take a break and relax can make a big difference in how the day goes.
5. Celebrate the small successes. No matter how large or small, taking time to appreciate every accomplishment helps to keep up a good attitude
6. Make sure to get plenty of rest. Taking the time to get enough sleep is vital for health and well-being.
7. Have healthy snacks and meals throughout the day. Eating healthy snacks and meals will help to maintain energy levels.
8. Create a positive environment. Taking time to make the environment positive can make the day more pleasant.
9. Laugh. Taking the time to laugh and enjoy life is essential for a good day.
10. End the day with prayer and on a positive note. Thanking God and reflecting on the day and thinking about any successes will help end the day in a good place.
Embracing a daily journey of recovery and faith
A breakfast meal accompanied with prayer. (Photo by Tara Winstead from Pexels)
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6
Living one day at a time is the secret to a happy and contented life. For recovering addicts, it means taking baby steps toward recovery, which can lead to significant triumphs.
However, some individuals may prioritize various aspects of their lives over their sobriety, potentially jeopardizing their healing process.
In this context, repentance, faith, prayer, and self-reflection play pivotal roles in the journey to recovery. By seeking God's guidance and centering our lives around Him, we can find strength, support, and fulfillment throughout our daily recovery.
The fragility of recovery
Recovery is not confined to the boundaries of a rehab facility; it extends far beyond.
Those who approach their healing with a half-hearted commitment may recklessly return to the real world without considering God's presence, often resulting in relapse.
Recognizing the ongoing nature of recovery is essential for sustained progress and long-term well-being.
Trusting God as the Great Provider
Jesus Christ emphasized the futility of worrying about worldly concerns like food, drink, and clothing. Instead, He urged his followers to seek God's kingdom and righteousness.
By trusting in God's providence, recovering addicts can rely on Him and the support of others to meet their needs during challenging times.
God works through people and circumstances, assisting those seeking His help.
Stillness and faith
Amid our daily struggles, being still and acknowledging God's presence is crucial.
Meditating on Psalm 46:10, "Be still, and know that I am God," allows us to entrust our worldly cares to Him.
Developing a deep faith in God is the cornerstone of our daily recovery, enabling us to rise above worries and find solace in His strength.
Prioritizing God in life
To ensure our daily appreciation and support our healing process, it is vital to prioritize God as the center of our lives.
By committing to unwavering prayers, studying scriptures, fostering spiritual development, and seeking divine guidance, we equip ourselves to conquer obstacles and discover contentment.
Philippians 2:12-13 emphasizes the significance of diligently nurturing our salvation while acknowledging that God grants us the strength to fulfill His intended plan for our lives.
Through these practices, we cultivate a deep connection with God and empower ourselves to embrace His purpose.
Living one day at a time and focusing on recovery and faith are vital for a joyful life.
By valuing sobriety, relying on God's guidance, practicing mindfulness, and making Him our priority, we can overcome the hurdles of recovery with resilience.
Remember, God is our constant companion, empowering and leading us toward a fulfilling and meaningful existence. Trusting in His providence, we navigate life's trials with determination.
Let us cherish the knowledge that God accompanies us every step, granting us strength and purpose in our daily pursuits.
