The 22nd of every month is a special day for me. In the morning, the monthly psalm cycle used by Anglicans for the Daily Office appoints Psalm 107. It’s the only psalm for the morning office; so it stands alone, packing a full punch.

As a recovering alcoholic in 12 Step recovery, the beginning of Chapter 5 of the “big book” has a clear and comforting resonance that reminds me of the shape my recovery (and thus my survival must take): admit defeat, surrender, and ask God to pick up the pieces.

I’ve been isolated from the 12 Step program because of pandemic (conversation about digital meetings for another time). So this psalm, which resonates so deeply with my journey of recovery has filled an important role in my sobriety during the pandemic. As I say or sing the words, I am reminded of the complete abandon with which I must hand my life over to God. And I am reminded of the promises that come from that abandon. The psalms are good for that…

Here’s is the journey of recovery in the (excerpted) words of King David:

Some wandered in desert wastes; *
they found no way to a city where they might dwell.
They were hungry and thirsty; *
their spirits languished within them.
They abhorred all manner of food *
and drew near to death's door.
They reeled and staggered like drunkards *
and were at their wits' end.
Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, *
and he delivered them from their distress.
He stilled the storm to a whisper *
and quieted the waves of the sea.
Then were they glad because of the calm, *
and he brought them to the harbor they were bound for.
He changed deserts into pools of water *
and dry land into water-springs.
He settled the hungry there, *
and they founded a city to dwell in.
He lifted up the poor out of misery *
and multiplied their families like flocks of sheep.
Whoever is wise will ponder these things, *
and consider well the mercies of the Lord.

Remember that we deal with alcohol – cunning, baffling, powerful! Without help it is too much for us. But there is One who has all power – that One is God. May you find Him now!