“We found that by deciding to turn our will and lives over to the care of God, as we each understood God, our lives and the responsible use of our freedom to choose were returned to us.”

– Life with Hope, third edition, page 12

When I was actively using, there was no room for a Higher Power in my life, let alone faith in one. My self-will controlled me and led me to make many poor decisions. These decisions depleted my self-esteem, harmed my relationships, cost me financially, and ultimately sent me into deep depression, suicidal thoughts, and stays in the hospital.

When I accepted my powerlessness, became willing to believe in a Higher Power that could restore me to sanity, and made a decision to turn my will and my life over to the care of God, as I understood God, I finally realized that I could give up my fruitless attempts to control things. I could leave in God’s hands the things over which I have no control. “Turning it over” allows me to focus on the few things I can control, and faith in my Higher Power gives me the freedom to make wise and responsible choices in my life.

Final thought: God, today help me to remember that your loving care and guidance are always with me, and that by turning over my will and my life to you, I am free to make the wise decisions that help me to live my best life.