Step One - I Need Help

No matter who we are or how we think we have life managed, for all of us there comes a time when we can find ourselves in a place we would rather not be – a place of brokenness, helplessness, and it seems impossible to fix things.  It’s at those moments we have to admit that all is not well and that we need to think hard and make some choices about where our life will go from here. 

What does that look like?  For those struggling with addictive habits and unhealthy relationships we have to admit that continuing as is will just cause further harm and not give us the relief we sought.

As strange as it sounds to being the door to growth and change, the way forward is to admit defeat, admit we can’t do things on our own, and acknowledge that we need help. 

Step One of the Twelves Steps uses these words to describe that moment: We admitted we were powerless over our dependencies and that our lives had become unmanageable.

I think the person that wrote this prayer we find in the Bible had come to just such a moment.

Have compassion on me, Lord, for I am weak.  Heal me, Lord, for my bones are in agony. I am sick at heart.  How long, O Lord, until you restore me?  Return, O Lord, and rescue me. Save me because of your unfailing love. Psalm 6:2-4

Our helpless condition is no surprise to God.  He already knows we will not succeed when we try to do things on our own.  He also knows a sure way forward, is willing to guide us, and has the power to get us safely there.  To get the help we need we only have to call out to Him.  He promises to supply it. Why don’t we take a moment right now and do that. 

Heavenly Father, we admit defeat. We are powerless to live on our own without you.  You know the things we’ve  tried and what a disappointment they’ve all turned out to be. Heavenly Father, we turn to You.  We accept Your word as the truth around which we will build my lives.  Fill us with Your Spirit who gives us peace, power, and truth.  We receive hope to overcome despair and  truth to sort out confusion.  We choose for Your will and surrender our own.  Amen

No matter how small or large your circumstances with their problems are that are before us, let’s admit our powerlessness and call out to God all day long for the help we need.