He brought them out of darkness, the utter darkness, and broke away their chains. – Psalm 107:14

Today's Scripture Reading (October 10, 2025): Psalm 107

I recently watched a documentary about Charlie Sheen. Sheen has had a "bad-boy" image almost from the very beginning of his life. Growing up as one of Martin Sheen's sons, it seemed that his life was already mapped out for him. He would become an actor with a solid career ahead of him in Hollywood.

However, then Sheen fell into a cycle of alcohol and drug abuse. The drugs started early, and life was soon out of control for the young actor. And the cycle went something like this. First, his lifestyle would get out of his control. Then there would be some sort of intervention. Whether it was family and friends gathering to convince Charlie that he needed help, or a friend who took that role informally, Charlie would reluctantly realize that he required some professional assistance. Then there would be help, being placed in a drug rehab center or an institution like it. Upon graduation from rehab, a good acting assignment would be waiting for him, rewarding his newfound health and balance. And then the cycle would begin again.

Part of the problem is that whether you were a friend or just knew him through his films, Charlie Sheen was a very likable guy. And Charlie would be the first to admit that the consequences of his behavior throughout much of his life were not present. Charlie would flash a smile, and people would let him off from the consequences that would be automatic for anyone else.

Perhaps the most significant question is whether Charlie Sheen has finally broken the cycle. He has survived, perhaps in ways that others wouldn't have, but at some point, the cycle has to end; otherwise, this likable character won't survive.

The Psalmist speaks of those whom God has redeemed from their enemies. Those who had been redeemed had likely been suffering through a cycle of trouble. Historically, Israel seemed to suffer through these Charlie Sheen-like cycles. God would bless them, and then they would choose to follow paths that were not healthy for them. They would follow the gods worshiped by their neighbors or gods that fit their mood and perhaps their concept of what a deity should be. The nation would then fall into trouble, and they would be oppressed for a time until God provided a hero who would take care of the problem. Then, Israel would prosper for a time until the cycle started all over again.

But the Psalmist reminds his readers that that is not what God had intended for them. When he redeemed the nation or the individual, his plan was to break their chains, not just freeing those who were suffering, but crushing their manacles so that the cycle could finally be broken. As a result, the people could be redeemed, not just for a season, but forever.

Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: Psalm 111 & 112