Why do I need God?

Joseph Lee L'Heureux

Why do I need God in my life, my community, or in my country, or for that matter, anywhere? “Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Now, who wouldn’t want a little wisdom? We are told where there is no God man will usually create one to his own liking, usually after his own image. If he needs rain, then he will create a rain God, or where there is too much rain he will create a sun god. If he finds himself at war with a neighbour then he will pray to the god of war and so on. In the 12-step programs we usually create a god called a higher power, one that doesn’t have a personality, is non-threatening and one we don’t have any resentments toward. Usually, a god of our own understanding. We are now one month into the new year. How are we doing on our New Year’s resolutions? Not very well? I thought so. I’m the same way. We wonder why we can’t hang onto our self-discipline, to make changes in our lives. The problem is, we were created to have a relationship with our creator, and there is an emptiness within us, which needs to be satisfied. We are “restless until we find our peace in God.” (St. Augustine) This restlessness creates a compulsive disorder within most of us. We then go to our favourite compulsion: smoking, drinking, using drugs, eating, shopping or even just wasting time sitting in front of the TV. The fortunate ones turn to something productive like baking, knitting, or maybe needlework or carpentry work. In major centers there are 12-step meetings for alcoholism, drug addiction, eating disorders and sex addictions. There are even 12-step programs for people who have to live with those who have these disorders, they are called AL-ANON or AL-ATEEN, even 12-step programs for Christians. The truth is we all have some sort of defects. For some of us, it requires self-analysis through the swapping of stories with others who suffer similar disorders to recognize ourselves. Ergo, the 12-step meeting! A meeting will remind us of how it works, and “rarely have we seen a person fail who has thoroughly followed a 12-step program. Usually, those who fail are those who are not willing to be honest with themselves.” (AA big book paraphrased) 1. We admitted we were powerless over our (compulsion) that our lives were unmanageable. “For when I am powerless, it is then that I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10) 2. We came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity (manageability). 3. We made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him. (Steps 1-3 AA big book; Let go and let God) If one takes on the next nine steps, changes usually begin to happen and we discover God is a reality. The key is we finally come to the realization that our life, run on self-will, doesn’t work. We have to admit there is something out there greater than ourselves. For some who go to meetings, there is a comfort zone and safety in the group. For others they finally return to the church of their youth and turn their lives and their will over to God, according to his commandments. I have seen people stay sober in just admitting there is a God and plain old gratitude. If we are faithful to our program, we will get to a point where we can accept God as our creator, redeemer, (savior) and sanctifier, one who guides us toward holiness. This should lead us home to a religion we were raised in or to a church where we are comfortable. So, why do I need God or why should I go to church? We are told God created us to love Him, worship Him and serve Him. There is something within us that will not be satisfied until we discover his presence within ourselves filling that void. “My soul is restless until it finds its peace in God.” (Augustine) If a fatherly or male God bothers you than talk to Mother Mary. She will introduce you to the infant Jesus. “Doing it my way” may have worked for Frank Sinatra, but he had a manager agent. May you keep your New Year’s resolution and God Bless!