Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Ephesians 5:15–21, ESV
Things can seem to pile upon us that cause us to lose sight of the glory of God. Sometimes, we can be overwhelmed by all the things that are going on in our world and seek escape, but God calls us to keep a clear head and not to become wrapped up in the ways of the world. God does not speak against the enjoyment of our time with one another and to drink of the fruit in wine or other drink, but He does not want us to become drunk, which may cause us to do all sorts of things that we should not be doing as a people of God. If we seek to escape from the things of this world, let us turn to Him and not drink and be filled with the Holy Spirit, joining together in singing His praises and celebrating His love for us. There are those who choose not to partake of anything that has alcohol within it, and that may be the best way, but be mindful that it is not the drink that is evil but the overconsumption and the desire in the heart to escape from the realities of this world. The things that are often lost because of one's desire to escape is the unity that is felt when we stand in fellowship with other brothers and sisters in Christ, glorifying God and the freedom we may feel as we stand with one another. It is not a point of pride that brings us together, but a humbling spirit that shows us the weakness that we have in our lives but desires to use us and restore us to the glory that God created for us to live within. When we cry out our thanks to God, we find that there is no need to escape, but greater compassion is placed upon us for those who are trapped in the lies of the deceiver and a desire to bring them into fellowship with us. In all relationships, let us place Christ in the center and let Him guide us in our actions and our words.
Let us pray. I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, your dear Son, that you have kept me this night from all harm and danger, and I ask you to protect me this day also from sin and every evil, that in all I do today, I may please you. For into your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all that is mine. Let your holy angel watch over me, that the wicked foe have no power over me. Amen.