I'm only human, I'm just a man
Lord, Help me believe in what
I could be and all that I am
Show me the stairway,
I have to climb
Lord for my sake,
teach me to take
One day at a time
Chorus
One day at a time sweet Jesus
That's all I'm asking from you
Just give me the strength
To do everyday what I have to do
Yesterday's gone sweet Jesus
And tomorrow may never be mine
Lord help me today, show me the way
One day at a time
Do you remember,
when you walked among men
Well Jesus you know
if you're looking below
It's worse now, than then
There´s pushing and shouting,
That's crowed my mind
So for my sake,
teach me to take
One day at a time
One Day At A Time
One Day At A Time Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
"One Day At A Time" by Heritage Singers, released on April 1, 2010, is a poignant and introspective plea for divine assistance in navigating life's journey. The song opens with a candid acknowledgment of human limitation, stating "I'm only human, I'm just a man." This sets a tone of vulnerability and dependence, as the speaker immediately turns to a higher power, asking for help in believing in their potential and accepting their current self. The request for God to "show me the stairway I have to climb" and teach them to take life "one day at a time" establishes the central theme: seeking guidance and strength to face challenges incrementally, rather than being overwhelmed by the entirety of the path ahead.
The chorus serves as the core message and prayer of the song. It directly addresses Jesus, asking for strength specifically for the present day's tasks. The lines "Yesterday's gone sweet Jesus, And tomorrow may never be mine" emphasize the fleeting nature of time and the wisdom in focusing on the 'now'. This focus on the present is presented not as a choice, but as a necessity for peace and effective action, relying on God's help to illuminate the way forward just for "one day at a time." This reinforces the idea that tackling life in smaller, manageable increments, empowered by faith, is the desired approach.
The second stanza broadens the perspective, drawing a parallel between the present world and the time Jesus walked the earth. The lyrics lament that current conditions feel "worse now, than then," citing external pressures like "pushing and shouting" that contribute to a "crowded mind." This imagery powerfully conveys the anxiety and mental clutter caused by worldly chaos. Faced with this difficulty, the speaker reiterates the earlier plea: "So for my sake, teach me to take one day at a time." This highlights that the method of living one day at a time is not just a gentle life philosophy but a crucial coping mechanism for enduring the perceived worsening state of the world and maintaining inner peace.
The song's message resonates deeply with themes found in scripture. The call for daily strength and guidance echoes prayers for provision and sustenance, such as found in Matthew 6:11, which asks for "our daily bread." The emphasis on not worrying about the future is a direct parallel to Jesus' teaching in Matthew 6:34, which advises, "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." The acknowledgment of human weakness and the reliance on divine power for strength is a constant theme in the Bible, reflected in verses like Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," or 2 Corinthians 12:9 where God's power is made perfect in weakness. This connection to biblical principles makes the song a source of spiritual encouragement for listeners seeking to live a life of faith and trust, managing anxiety by surrendering control of the future and focusing on the present moment with God's help. The presentation of the song in 2010 with a background video likely aimed to enhance this meditative and devotional experience, providing a visual context to accompany the reflective lyrics and reinforce the inspirational message of trusting God with each passing day.
