Just for Today – December 4 – God’s Will, Not Ours

“We know that if we pray for God’s will we will receive what is best for us, regardless of what we think.”
– Basic Text, page 44

In recovery, we’ve come to understand that our own will, shaped by addiction, often led us astray. Our desires, thoughts, and decisions became unreliable, rooted in selfishness and short-term gratification. By surrendering to a Higher Power, we open ourselves to guidance that aligns with our greater good, even when it differs from what we think we want.

The Unreliability of Self-Will

Active addiction distorted our ability to discern what was best for us. We pursued fleeting pleasures and avoided discomfort, often to our own detriment. This pattern left us feeling trapped, powerless, and out of control.

Even in recovery, remnants of our old ways of thinking can linger. Ego-driven prayers and selfish motives may surface, revealing our lingering attachment to self-will. Recognizing this tendency is the first step toward change.

Learning to Trust a Higher Power

Surrendering to a Higher Power allows us to rely on guidance that is more reliable than our own instincts. This trust develops gradually as we practice the Eleventh Step, praying for “knowledge of God’s will for us and the power to carry that out.”

Steps to Build Trust:

1. Acknowledge Your Limits: Accept that your self-will is fallible and that you need guidance.
2. Practice Honest Prayer: Share your desires with your Higher Power while remaining open to divine will.
3. Seek Clarity: Pay attention to the guidance and direction that arise in prayer, meditation, and daily life.
4. Act on Faith: Follow the guidance you receive, trusting that it aligns with your best interests.

The Practice of Surrender

Surrendering our will doesn’t mean ignoring our thoughts and desires. Instead, it involves honestly acknowledging them, sharing them with our Higher Power, and letting go of the outcome.

A Balanced Approach to Prayer:

• Honesty: “Here’s what I want or think I need.”
• Openness: “But I’m willing to listen to your will.”
• Surrender: “Let your will, not mine, be done.”

This approach fosters a partnership with our Higher Power, blending humility with self-awareness.

The Rewards of Following God’s Will

When we align ourselves with God’s will, we experience profound benefits:

• Peace of Mind: Letting go of control reduces anxiety and fear.
• Better Outcomes: Decisions guided by spiritual principles lead to healthier, more fulfilling results.
• Personal Growth: Surrendering self-will fosters humility, gratitude, and trust.

Over time, we see that God’s will often leads us to outcomes far greater than we could have envisioned for ourselves.

Living in Alignment

Aligning with God’s will is an ongoing process that requires daily attention. Through prayer, meditation, and step work, we deepen our understanding of divine guidance and learn to live in harmony with it.

By embracing this process, we build a life grounded in trust, purpose, and spiritual connection.