May 9

Step 5: We admitted to God, to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.

May 9

Recommended Reading Psalm 26 and 1 Peter 3

I was watching an episode of Dr. Phil where a guy (60 days sober) was declaring his utter recoveredness – to coin a phrase. He was going on and on and on about how his life was transformed. His future in-laws weren’t buying it. They argued that this guy had tried rehab numerous times and managed to “walk the line” of sobriety for months at a time – but never years. In true Dr. Phil fashion, there was lots of drama and it made for a great story.

So what do you think? Would you want him marrying your daughter on day 72 of sobriety?
As you read Psalm 26, the psalmist is also speaking of his integrity, innocence, pure motives, hatred of evil, refusal to hang out with evil doers, and his firm stance on solid ground. That’s awesome. But I wonder…is it true? Surely it was true for Job, and when he made those rash statements his friends questioned his ability for self-confrontation much like those potential in-laws on Dr. Phil and I do when I read the words of this psalmist.

So really, who’s to say?

Thought for today: God is the one to say how we’re really doing. We give Him that opportunity when we admit to him the exact nature of the wrongs that popped up as we inventoried our life. Let’s give him a chance to speak into our lives. If we’re righteous as Job, the psalmist and the kid on Dr. Phil – cool. If not, we know where to start working on our stuff.

Thought for tomorrow: For she cares nothing about the path to life. She staggers down a crooked trail and doesn’t realize it. Proverbs 5:6 NLT

May 9
Teresa McBean