As a physician with over thirty years of experience, particularly the last seven spent working in a mental health facility, I have encountered countless stories of unimaginable trauma and the accompanying pain. A common thread among those in our care is the struggle to move past their trauma. The perceived injustice of their experiences lingers because we inherently desire a universe that is at least somewhat fair. Personally, I also struggled for a long time. The constant feeling of injustice led me down a path of addiction and separation from my Creator. Interestingly, I didn’t consciously dwell on these thoughts, yet they shaped my self-perception profoundly.
Many people find themselves on this path, including numerous fellow Christians. What if the choice to eat from the tree in the Garden of Eden was less about aspiring to be like God and more about seeking to understand the rules of right and wrong to please God and feel worthy of unconditional love? Fortunately, the Bible’s message is clear: we cannot earn unconditional love. Through Jesus, the path has been cleared for us.
Understanding the rules doesn’t necessarily improve life, as the ability to follow them is often beyond our reach. In our world, “rule-breaking” behavior is more common than adherence. When life seems unfair, we either doubt the existence of a good God or feel uncomfortable. This discomfort leads to soothing behaviors, which can become addictions. The book of Job provides a different perspective on personal injustice, emphasizing that only God comprehends the bigger picture and remains in control.
Gaining a new perspective on our circumstances allows us to recognize that we lack the capacity to judge fairness in the universe and to entrust this role back to our Heavenly Father. This liberates us to exercise one of God’s greatest gifts: the free will to decide our next steps. We can choose to focus on the positive aspects of our lives and explore new possibilities for thriving, rather than merely surviving. By listening to the whispers of the Holy Spirit rather than the clamor of advertising and social media, we can discern God’s will for our next steps.
Many people become paralyzed, waiting for God to provide a detailed plan for their future before taking action. The 12-step wisdom of living “one day at a time” has biblical origins. The psalmist wrote that God’s Word is “a lamp unto my feet,” implying that if we have enough faith to take the visible step, the next one will be revealed. For nearly 90 years, the 12-step community has encouraged this approach. Resigning as the manager of the universe is essential for growing into God’s will for our lives.
The Dunamis Effect is a Christian 12-step program designed to support those seeking new possibilities and freedom from any form of addiction. Contact us to learn how we can support the people you serve.
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