HALT

HALT is an acronym of the recovery movement. It stands for Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired. They are reminders of when those of us in recovery from addictions are the most vulnerable. However, we all are vulnerable to be less than Christ-like when we are experiencing any of these. Each is an appetite to be fed. The problem is not if we feed them (they are natural human experiences) so much as how we feed them.  Often, we feed their ache by going overboard in sating our appetites. Overboard usually leaves hurts in us and in others.

 

How do you respond when you are hungry, angry, lonely or tired?  Do you eat? Shop? Spend? Binge/purge? Overindulge? Surf the web? Lash out? Over commit? Blow off commitments? Watch endless TV? St. Augustine tells us that there is a God-shaped hole in all of us. Too often, we fill it with what is handy, thinking that stuff or experiences will satisfy us. Ultimately, they will not. Instead, they grab hold of us and drain us of life. God give, never drains, life. External things and forces always let us down because they do not love us like God does.

 

The hole is for love - God's love. Fill it wisely.

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.  Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)