“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” 2 Timothy 1:7
Red wine was my eraser. Every evening I pulled the cork out of the bottle and drank a few glasses until my worries went away. I thought I had a good relationship with God when I was drinking, as I was always praying for God to get me out of some jam I had worked my way into. Struggles with work, relationships, money, health… I didn’t hesitate to call upon God for relief. I seriously thought I was a good servant given how often I prayed for help. How wrong I was!
Now sober, I make better decisions about my life. I have learned humility. I don’t need to pray for God to bail me out of situations that my alcoholic thinking used to get me into. Now my prayers are more often a humble “thank you!” Im grateful for the things God has given to me. I am grateful for all that I have.
My attitude toward God has changed. God is no longer just a magical rescuer for when I get myself into trouble. Sure, I still need God’s help for things, but I no longer turn to God only out of fear. I turn to God out of love and gratitude. I am happy to do God’s will. My humility in sobriety allows me to have an open channel to God so that I can receive all of His grace and love.
F.R.O.G. Practice: Humble yourself before God. Give thanks. Pour your love out to God. Be grateful for all God has given to you. Give thanks for this breath in your lungs, this beat of your heart. They are gifts.
