Jeff Dafler, Psobriety: A Journey of Recovery Through the Psalms, Westminster John Knox Press

This book caught my attention for two reasons. The first is because it is focused on the Psalms. The Psalms are prayers put to music. Although we don’t know the ancient tunes, we do know the emotions expressed. I have used the Psalms in trauma groups I facilitate, trauma especially related to PTSD and I am always interested in other resources.
This directly connects to the second reason this book interested me. One of the groups I facilitate underlines the connection between trauma and substance abuse. Many of the attendees read the Daily Readings from the Big Book and I hoped this book would be a good supplement to the Daily Readings.
I find this is a good resource, not necessarily to supplant the Daily Readings, but to provide another resource. This book is especially helpful for those who come into the program with a background in the Jewish/ Christian tradition and are familiar with the Psalms.
The author, Jeff Dafler, acknowledges he is writing as a Christian but also as one who respects the Alcoholics Anonymous tradition so in his reflections on the Psalms he uses terms familiar to those in AA when he refers to God; God of our understanding, Higher Power. He does not edit the Psalms themselves but quotes from them using the New Revised Standard Version.
The psalms tell the story of many people over many years through many different circumstances and express a range of emotions from joy to sorrow. This book is the story of the author as he takes his first steps towards sobriety with the help of the psalmists with a daily reflection on each o the 150 Psalms.
Just as the writers of the Psalms held nothing back, even the emotions that make many of us uncomfortable, so Mr. Dafler holds nothing back as he reflects on the Psalms.
For example, in his reflections on Psalm 52 the author sees himself when the psalmist refers to the wicked. “I used to be just like the man in verses 1-4 boasting of the things I achieved through plotting and deceit, loving evil more than good.”
This admission will come if a person sincerely works through the 12 steps, especially step 4 of the 12 steps-- "MADE A SEARCHING AND FEARLESS MORAL INVENTORY OF OURSELVES."
The writer not only sees the evil in himself but also points to forgiveness. His prayer at the end of Psalm 51 is, “God, we seek your forgiveness for our transgressions. Wash us clean in your love and help us to follow your way for living. Please keep us sober today”.
This reminds us that though housekeeping is necessary it is not enough to empty the house we need to move forgiveness in before we take another step.
I appreciate how Mr. Dafler shows though the Psalms predate the 12 Steps this ancient book provides wisdom and guidance for those who are working the steps. This is a valuable supplement for those taking one step at a time and could use the encouragement of those who have passed this way before.
I would like to see an edition that includes the text of the Psalm with the daily reading but I also know that would add more to the cost. I would hope that the readers would take the time to read the Psalm for the day along with the reading. Otherwise, I think this is a great resource. I will be using this book in my group and I know it will be well received by those who use the Bible and the 12 Steps on their journey.

Scripture has long been a solid rock for those who have struggled with addictions or who have lived with those who do. Jeff Dafler has written a set of 150 daily devotions based on the book of Psalms

The book is as much a personal journey of the author as he moved through his own addiction issues a it is a study of God’s answer to many of the issues which the addict or their family may face as they move through their recovery. Though I have been in recovery for 25+ years, there are times that I still need to rethink and review the answers that have kept me growing through the years. Psobriety is a book that allows me to do exactly that

Each of the Psalms is addressed by a single devotional composed of three parts. The author begins by quoting one or two verses of that day’s Psalm. The author then offers a one page devotional focusing on that day’s Psalm, rarely, if ever, overing details from other places in scripture. This is one of the two weaknesses seen in the book, in that no balance is shown from the rest of scripture. The daily devotional ends with a short prayer aimed to reinforce that day’s lesson. Each devotional is well-written, thoughtful, and helpful.

This leads to the second weakness of the book: the lack of an index. There is no way to easily discover or rediscover a reading dealing with a particular issue or topic. There are times when it is helpful to review issues in some random order, but there are also times that I need to address a particular issue today (e.g.depression).

I give Psobriety four stars.
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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions are mine alone.

Psobriety
A Journey of Recovery through the Psalms
by Jeff Dafler
Back of the Book: “Psobriety helps people in recovery from alcohol and substance abuse with daily readings on each of the 150 psalms. Jeff Dafler reflects on the beloved and comforting words of these ancient poems, seeking the mercy and guidance of a Higher Power to inspire others walking the brave path of recovery.”
Impressions: I should preface my review with the fact that I am not an addict but choose to read this book in respect for those in my life whom this might help. That being said when going through any kind of temptation having support and encouragement to turn to is helpful. God's Word is both a support and encouragement when facing trouble in life.
Liked: If you are struggling with the temptation of addiction, I imagine this book would be an encouragement for your journey. Just the thought of someone else going through similar experiences and feeling validated is helpful. The daily reading is short but can be expanded on if reading the complete psalm.
Disliked: In attempts to be neutral in faith, the author chooses to add that the book was geared towards no particular faith or “god” specifically. The book is a commentary of Psalms which alone is specifically Christian. The whole idea of allowing the reader to use this as a source of encouragement and support is pointless as well if you are not a believer. They are hopeless words without the belief and trust in the one true God. I feel like a stance should have been taken and been clear as it was a turn-off from my perspective to read the bit on “higher power” of choice in the intro.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review shared here.