Introduction
In our last blog, we talked about ‘Stinking Thinking.’
On the website of his 'Center for Action and Contemplation,' Richard Rohr publishes daily reflections where he expands on his thoughts. (See https://cac.org/category/daily-meditations/)
In one reflection, called 'Letting God,' written in November 2015, he reflects on the solutions to stinking thinking.
We thought it would be a fitting sequel to our last blog to delve deeper into how to solve this ‘addiction’ to negative thoughts we all have.
Step 7 of the Twelve Steps
God, please remove our shortcomings. – Step 7 of the AA’s Twelves Steps.
In the reflective piece about addictions and 'stinking thinking,' Richard Rohr writes that we are not in control of our own transformation. We can try it, but it won’t work, because it will be self-centered. Our preferences and addictions will still be there. An alcoholic cannot make his own rules to stay sober!
God in control
Get out of the control room!
God must change how we think. It is as if there is a 'central control station' in your mind. Up until now, you were in the controlling seat. If we do not let God take over, we will stay stuck.
Step 7 of the AA's Twelves Steps says that we must ask God to remove our 'shortcomings.' If we try to do it ourselves, we will waste time and effort, because we are not always able to see ourselves as we really are.
If we ask Him, God will reveal our faults to us. He will show us where we fail time and time again. He will use others to tell us. God will remove our flaws in His way and in His time.
Know that you ‘don’t know.’
In Matthew 7:7, Jesus said that if we ask, it will be given to us.
'Stay dependent on God!' Richard Rohr writes.
We must know that we 'don't know' and that we are always in need. Life is a gift – freely given to us by God. If we chose an 'attitude of gratitude,' we would be able to receive 'life' more profound and more in-depth.
However, we are entitled to nothing.
Richard Rohr writes that ‘Humility is foundational. Those who live with open and humble hands receive life’s gifts in abundance and throughout their years, “full measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over into their lap” (Luke 6:38).
Conclusion
At Largest Heart, it is our mission to spread love, hope, and knowledge. Are you trapped in a spiral of negative thinking or addiction? (Remember, we all have something!)
We want to remind you that you are not alone. There are resources and people that can help.
Start here, on this website. Perhaps God has brought you here today to find what you need. You are also welcome to contact us. We will help where we can!
Resources
https://cac.org/step-7-letting-god-2015-11-29/
‘Breathing Under Water: Spirituality and the Twelve Steps’ – by Richard Rohr. Find the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Breathing-Under-Water-Spirituality Twelve/dp/1616361573
