Merle Haggard One Day At A Time (gospel Song) (PROVEN)

The lyrics are framed as a direct prayer to "sweet Jesus," asking for the strength to face life's challenges one step at a time.

First recorded by Marilyn Sellars in 1974, it won the Dove Award for Song of the Year in 1975. Cristy Lane later took the song to #1 on the Billboard country charts in 1980. Merle Haggard's Version

It reflects the biblical wisdom of Matthew 6:34 , which advises against worrying about tomorrow, as "yesterday's gone" and "tomorrow may never be mine". Merle Haggard One Day At A Time (Gospel Song)

Wilkin wrote the chorus during a period of intense personal despair, struggling with alcoholism and depression. After a minister suggested she "thank God for [her] problems," she went home and the chorus flowed out as a prayer at her piano.

Merle Haggard's rendition is widely considered one of the most "soothing" and "heartfelt" versions of the hymn. It appeared on his , Songs for the Mama That Tried , a tribute to his mother's faith and her influence on his life. You can listen to his performance on Spotify or view official uploads on YouTube . The lyrics are framed as a direct prayer

While many associate it with "The Hag," the song has a powerful backstory rooted in the struggles of its original co-writer:

It was written by Marijohn Wilkin and Kris Kristofferson in 1973. Merle Haggard's Version It reflects the biblical wisdom

The opening lines, "I’m only human, I’m just a man," acknowledge personal limitations and the need for divine help to believe in one's potential.