July 7: Where Your Help Comes From

It’s late afternoon. The workday is ending. And right on schedule, the craving shows up like an old friend who doesn’t know you’ve moved.

The writer of this psalm was looking at the hills, maybe on the road to Jerusalem, maybe wondering where safety would come from. Then he answers his own question. My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

Cravings are loud. They make it sound like the only question is whether you’ll drink. But there’s another question underneath. Where is your help coming from right now?

Pride says, “I’ll white-knuckle this.” Humility says, “I need help, and I’m going to get it.” That’s not weakness. That’s the most practical thing you can do. A craving that you face alone is heavier than one you say out loud to someone else.

Here’s what helps. First, name it. “I want a drink right now.” Saying it takes away some of its power. Second, change what’s in front of you. Leave the room. Go for a walk. Drink something cold. Eat something. Many cravings are partly hunger or tiredness. Third, call someone. You don’t need a crisis to call. “Hey, it’s five o’clock and I’m thinking about it” is enough.

Remember, a craving is a wave. It rises, it peaks and it falls. Most pass in less than half an hour if you don’t feed them. You don’t have to win forever. You have to get through this one.

If you’ve been drinking every day until recently, your body may be fighting you too. That’s not something to manage alone.

The same God who made the hills and the sky made you. He knows the hour your craving comes. He’s not surprised by it, and He’s not disgusted by you. He’s there. Look up.

One thing today

Set a reminder for fifteen minutes before your hardest hour. When it goes off, do one thing different. Walk, eat, pray, or call someone. Don’t wait for the craving to arrive first.

A prayer

Lord, my help comes from You. When the craving shows up today, remind me to look up instead of in. Give me someone to call and the humility to call them. Amen.

There are more practical ideas on the alcohol cravings page.

Talk it through with Jimmy or Sarah — first month free

Jimmy and Sarah are AI sponsors who know the Twelve Steps and the Bible. They'll listen, walk the steps with you, and keep pointing you to real people: a meeting, a sponsor, a church.

Download on theApp Store Get it onGoogle Play

Free to download · first month free, no card · adults 18+

After the first month, talking with Jimmy or Sarah needs Plus ($9.99/month or $59.99/year).