Just for Today – September 28 – Hope

“Gradually, as we become more God-centered than self-centered, our despair turns to hope.”
Basic Text, page 92

For many of us in active addiction, despair was a constant presence. No matter what we did, it seemed like every attempt to control our lives led to failure, and the misery only deepened. Despair became our reality, a state of mind that colored every moment. It wasn’t until we reached our lowest point and accepted the powerlessness of addiction that the possibility of change appeared. With the help of the Twelve Steps, particularly Steps Two and Three, we are led out of despair and into hope—the new companion of the recovering addict.

Despair in Active Addiction

Despair often defines the life of someone caught in addiction. It arises from the repeated failures we experience as we try to manage and control our addiction on our own. Each attempt to regain control seems to make things worse, fueling the cycle of self-destruction. No matter how hard we try to improve our lives, we find ourselves sinking deeper into chaos, shame, and hopelessness.

This sense of despair is what eventually brings many of us to admit our powerlessness, as described in Step One of the Twelve Steps. We acknowledge that our efforts to control our lives have failed, and we surrender to the reality that we need help. This admission marks the beginning of the journey out of despair and toward hope.

Moving from Despair to Hope

Steps Two and Three are instrumental in helping us move from despair to hope. In Step Two, we come to believe in a Power greater than ourselves, a Power that can restore us to sanity. This step offers a glimmer of hope for a new way of living, one that doesn’t rely solely on our own failed efforts. For the first time, we open ourselves to the idea that change is possible, not because of our own willpower, but because of the guidance and support of a Higher Power.

In Step Three, we make the decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of this Higher Power. This act of surrender allows us to begin letting go of the self-centeredness that fueled our addiction and embrace a God-centered way of living. As we do this, the despair that once defined our lives begins to fade, replaced by a growing sense of hope.

Hope is a powerful force in recovery. It gives us the strength to believe that we can live differently, that we are no longer doomed to repeat the same patterns of failure. By trusting in our Higher Power and practicing the principles of the Twelve Steps, we start to see the possibility of a better life—a life where peace, fulfillment, and joy are within our reach.

The Role of a Higher Power in Sustaining Hope

As we progress in recovery, our reliance on a Higher Power deepens. The more we trust this Power to guide us, the more we experience freedom from the self-centered thinking that once kept us trapped in despair. We come to see that our lives are no longer defined by our mistakes or failures, but by the hope and healing that comes from turning our will over to something greater than ourselves.

In practical terms, this means that we don’t have to carry the weight of the world on our shoulders. We don’t have to figure out every problem on our own or control every aspect of our lives. Instead, we can seek guidance from our Higher Power, trusting that we will be shown the way forward, even when the path seems uncertain. This trust in something greater helps us move through challenges with grace and resilience, knowing that we are not alone.

The more we practice relying on our Higher Power, the more hope becomes a natural part of our recovery. It’s not just a fleeting feeling or wishful thinking; it’s a steady and reliable companion that carries us through both the good and the difficult times. As despair fades, hope takes its place, offering us the assurance that no matter what happens, we are capable of living a full and meaningful life in recovery.

Reaffirming the Third Step

Reaffirming our Third Step decision is a powerful way to nurture hope in our lives. By consciously deciding each day to turn our will and our lives over to the care of our Higher Power, we remind ourselves that we are no longer trying to navigate life on our own. This decision strengthens our connection to the source of hope and allows us to face each day with confidence and trust.

When we find ourselves struggling or feeling uncertain, we can return to the Third Step as a way to center ourselves. It is in this step that we find the peace of surrender and the strength to move forward, knowing that we are supported by a loving and caring Higher Power.

This practice of daily surrender keeps us grounded in hope, reminding us that recovery is not about perfection, but about progress. Each day, we make the choice to trust in the process, and in doing so, we continue to move away from the despair of addiction and toward the hope that defines our lives in recovery.

Hope as a Guiding Force

Hope is more than just a feeling; it is a guiding force that shapes our recovery. It gives us the courage to face life’s challenges, the strength to keep moving forward, and the belief that better days are ahead. With hope, we are able to see beyond our current circumstances and trust that our Higher Power is leading us toward a brighter future.

As we continue to grow in recovery, we find that hope is not just something we hold for ourselves, but something we can share with others. By living our recovery out loud, we offer hope to those who are still struggling, showing them that change is possible and that a better life is within reach. In this way, hope becomes a ripple effect, spreading throughout the fellowship and beyond.

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit

Table of Contents

Recent Posts