Running To Stand Still was originally released by U2 on their album The Joshua Tree. I particularly love their live rendition from Chicago in 2005. For me, the song encapsulates the desperation of addiction. There is a cruelty to how you deeply want to be free of whatever has bound you. Most addicts suffer alone as they try to solve the problem themselves and keep it a secret. They cycle, meaning that they make some progress but because no one or no one who cares knows the exact nature of what they are going through they find themselves right back at square one. The original recording ends with the lyric “She will suffer the needle chill. She’s running to stand still.” The woman in the song is left at square one. She wants out, she wants to be done, and she tries to run away from it all but fails. Some addicts never win and their addiction costs them everything. However, some have a moment of clarity. They realize that they can’t do it on their own and they need help. It is in that moment, often at our worst, run ragged, and with little to no hope that you hear the voice of God. His voice that was there all along. His voice that was gently calling you to step out of your secret. His voice that was speaking words of hope. I think U2 later realized this because nearly all of their live versions include a chorus of “Hallelujah”. So does my version. There is hope.