Psalm 6:2-3 (MSG): God, how long will it take?

Psalm 6:2-3 (The Message)
A David Psalm

^2-3Can't you see I'm black-and-blue,

     beat up badly in bones and soul?
GOD, how long will it take
     for you to let up?

There is no doubt that life can beat us down,  This past week has been challenging for me - and on at least one occasion the urge to turn to addiction presented itself as an option.  In those situations, like David I ask, "How long will this go on?"  The answer that comes back is, "As long as it takes."  For me, it went on until I cried out to God for it to stop.

I can carry a Bible around, but until I actually use it nothing will change.  I can have the best intentions of visiting an AA meeting but until I go nothing will change.  I have to want it, I have to be prepared to take that step before God will meet me.

Our addiction took several years to progressively get to the place it is today.  So, we have to expect that it will take at least that many years of praying and working the steps to unwind that chaos, insanity and destruction.  Thankfully, when we do take those actions, when we pray and work the steps, God responds and answers our prayers.  Thankfully, this week when temptation presented itself God responded to my prayers - and I was able to maintain my sobriety.

Dear God, thank you for your blessings and answering our prayers.  As we go into the world today continue to be with us and help us unwind the chaos, insanity, and destruction, which our addition(s) brought into our lives.  Help us be a tool of your peace.  Where there is chaos, let us sow your plan.  Where there is insanity, let us sow balance and truth.    Where there is destruction, let us sow restoration.  Grant that we may not so much seek to be understood as to understand; to be loved, as to love; For it is in giving that we receive; it is in forgiving that we are forgiven, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.  All this we pray in your name, and our savior, Jesus Christ.  AMEN.

Thanks for letting me share.