HALT Method

he refreshes my soul.

He guides me along the right paths

    for his name’s sake. Psalm 23:3

The HALT Method was developed for addicts to help them in recovery to be mindful of when they were the most vulnerable to setbacks. 

   

HALT is an acronym that stands for: Hungry, Angry, Lonely, and Tired. It points to the realisation that when one is in such a state they are more vulnerable, and likely to make bad decisions.

Keeping in mind this acronym is important for more of us than addicts. I have long practiced being wary and on guard when I am at my weakest. Being particularly mindful during certain seasons of the year when I know my physical health is at its worst. Yet when one suffers from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome that last word in HALT “tired” is a constant. I once told my doctor that I wake up exhausted, am exhausted all day, then go to bed exhausted at night. Keeping HALT in mind is always a good idea for me. But I know I am not alone. Anger may be your challenge, or loneliness, and everyone is tired and hungry at some point on a weekly, often daily basis.

Strengthen the feeble hands,

    steady the knees that give way;

 say to those with fearful hearts,

    “Be strong, do not fear; Isaiah 35:3-4a

No matter how strong and healthy you might be, you need the Lord to keep you on the right path and out of trouble and temptation. And when you are weak, when something has left you feeling vulnerable and unable to cope, you need the Lord even more at such times.

Thankfully we have an Advocate in heaven who not only helps us at our best times, but also when any weakness leaves us vulnerable. Call upon the Lord to strengthen you, when you need Him, and even when you think you don’t.

Prayer: Dear Lord, weakness assails us in many ways at various times of our lives. Help us to remain strong through Your strength and Spirit working in and through us. Amen.