One Day at a Time is a timeless Christian song about trusting God daily, seeking His strength, and letting go of worries about the past and future. Its heartfelt lyrics remind believers to rely on Jesus for guidance, embrace each day with faith, and find peace in His presence.
VERSE 1
I’m only human, I’m just a woman
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
VERSE 2
Do you remember when You walked among men?
Well Jesus, You know, if You’re looking below,
It’s worse now than then
Cheating an stealing, violence and crime
So 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
Story Behind the Song
In the early 1970s, songwriter Marijohn Wilkin faced personal struggles, including a departure from her church and a battle with alcohol addiction. Feeling overwhelmed, she sought solace by visiting a small church, where she confided in a young minister about her troubles.
This encounter led her to a moment of inspiration upon returning home. Sitting at her piano, she spontaneously composed the chorus of “One Day at a Time,” a heartfelt prayer for daily strength. Recognizing the song’s potential, she collaborated with Kris Kristofferson to complete it.[1]
The song was first recorded by Marilyn Sellars in 1974, achieving notable success by reaching number 19 on the U.S. country charts and number 37 on the Billboard Hot 100. Its popularity grew as various artists covered it, including Scottish singer Lena Martell, whose rendition topped the UK Singles Chart in 1979.[2]
In the late 1970s, country artist Cristy Lane began incorporating “One Day at a Time” into her live performances due to positive audience reactions. Despite initial hesitance from her record label, United Artists, Lane’s persistence led to the song’s release as a single.
It became her only number one hit on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in 1980, solidifying its place as a beloved inspirational song.[3]
“One Day at a Time” has since been recorded by over 200 artists, resonating with audiences worldwide for its message of relying on divine strength to navigate life’s challenges.[4]
Living with Faith despite life’s struggles.
One Day at a Time is a song about relying on God’s strength daily, recognizing human weakness, and trusting His guidance. I’m only human, I’m just a woman expresses the need for divine help, acknowledging the limitations of human strength.
Scripture affirms this truth in 2 Corinthians 12:9, where God says, My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Faith begins with humility, understanding that dependence on God is essential for spiritual endurance.
Just give me the strength to do everyday what I have to do reflects the biblical principle of seeking God’s provision for daily needs. In Philippians 4:13, Paul declares, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. The Christian walk is not about self-reliance but trusting God to provide the strength to fulfill His will. Lamentations 3:22-23 reinforces this by stating that His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning. Each day is an opportunity to live in faith, relying on God’s grace.
Yesterday’s gone, sweet Jesus, and tomorrow may never be mine echoes Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6:34: Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Dwelling on past failures or fearing the future distracts from obeying God today. While the song reminds believers to focus on the present, Scripture also assures that God holds the future (Jeremiah 29:11). The Christian life is not about uncertainty but trust in God’s sovereign plan.
Do you remember when You walked among men? reflects a longing for Jesus’ presence in a troubled world. While Jesus does not forget His time on earth, Hebrews 13:8 declares, Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He is not distant but remains actively involved in the lives of His people. Matthew 28:20 affirms this with His promise, I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Believers find comfort in knowing that Christ is near, guiding and strengthening them.
Living one day at a time is a call to trust in God’s provision, let go of past burdens, and walk in faith. True peace comes not from avoiding the future but from resting in the certainty that God is in control.
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Bible Readings for Worship
- Bible Verses on Pursuing Our Dreams
- Jesus Our Living Hope
- Like a Tree Planted by Streams of Water (Psalm 1:1-6)
More Free Downloads
- God the Omnipotent (Hymn)
- Give It Back (Patrick Mayberry)
- The Story I’ll Tell (Naomi Raine)
- My Reward (UPPERROOM)
- Faithful Hands (Legacy Nashville)
Related themes you might want to include One day at a time in your list of songs for worship that centered around Faithfulness of God, Glory of God, Trusting God by Faith, Provisions of Needs
One day at a time lyrics and music by Marijohn Wilkin, (1970) Public Domain
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