My favorite six words in recovery are: trust God, clean house

In the winding path of life, there comes a time when we must face the deepest darkness within ourselves—the shadows of our past mistakes, our regrets, and our vulnerabilities. "My favorite six words in recovery are: trust God, clean house, and help others," said Matthew Perry, and in these words, we find a profound guide for those seeking to heal, to rise from their struggles, and to find the light in their own hearts once again. These six words, though simple, contain the wisdom of the ages: trust, renewal, and service. Together, they form a roadmap not just for recovery, but for the very journey of life itself, for they remind us that true healing comes when we place our faith in something greater than ourselves, cleanse the spaces we inhabit, and offer our hands to lift others up.

The ancient philosophers understood that life is a constant process of transformation. Socrates spoke often of the need for self-examination, for cleansing the soul of its imperfections, and for seeking wisdom as a means of transcending one’s flaws. Plato, his student, taught that to find true peace, one must first purify the inner self. Just as the body requires rest and care after it has been wounded, so too does the soul require cleansing to rid itself of the burdens that weigh it down. Perry's words echo this timeless truth—clean house is not merely about physical surroundings, but about clearing away the emotional debris that clutters our minds and hearts. It is in this cleansing that we begin to heal, to create space for peace and growth to take root.

Consider, then, the story of King David, who, after his grave transgressions, sought forgiveness and renewal. In his prayer of repentance in the Book of Psalms, he cried out to God, saying, "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me." David’s journey toward recovery and redemption did not begin with seeking the approval of others, nor did it start by hiding his flaws. It began with a profound moment of humility, a willingness to face the truth of his own actions and to seek cleansing from the Creator. This powerful act of spiritual renewal mirrors the first part of Perry’s quote: trust God. True healing begins with faith—not just in the possibility of change, but in the belief that there is something greater than ourselves that can guide us through the storm.

As we cleanse our hearts and souls, the next step is to extend that grace to others. “Help others”—these words speak to the power of service, of reaching beyond our own struggles to lift another. Marcus Aurelius, the Stoic philosopher and emperor, spoke often of the duty to help others, to contribute to the greater good. He taught that no man could achieve true happiness while isolated in his own world of selfishness. The greatest joy comes not from taking, but from giving. Just as David sought to bring peace and unity to his people after his personal fall, so too must we reach out and help others, for it is in lifting others that we find our own healing. This idea of service as a path to recovery is not just a moral duty, but a transformative act, one that builds the very foundation of a healed life.

Look to the example of Mother Teresa, whose entire life was devoted to helping the sick, the dying, and the poorest of the poor. Mother Teresa’s legacy was not born from seeking personal gain or fame, but from the deep commitment to the service of others. She understood that in caring for those most in need, she found not only healing for their wounds but healing for her own spirit. She trusted in God to guide her, she cleaned house by purging herself of vanity and self-interest, and she dedicated herself to the service of others. Through her work, she became a beacon of light, a symbol of the deep power that comes from giving without expectation.

The lesson we draw from Matthew Perry’s words, from the stories of King David and Mother Teresa, is this: recovery, whether from addiction, failure, or suffering, is not merely about escaping pain, but about transforming it into something meaningful. Trusting God, cleansing ourselves, and offering help to others creates a cycle of renewal that brings us closer to the truth of who we are meant to be. We do not heal by isolating ourselves, nor by hiding our flaws, but by facing them with courage, by seeking spiritual guidance, and by embracing the power of service. In helping others, we discover that we are not alone in our struggles, and in sharing our light, we allow others to do the same.

Therefore, my children, let Perry’s words be a guide on your journey. Trust God, knowing that in every moment of darkness, there is the potential for light. Clean house by clearing away the clutter of doubt, fear, and shame that clings to your spirit. And in your recovery, in your renewal, remember to help others—for it is in this service that we find our greatest strength. As you walk the path of healing, know that every step you take in faith and service is a step toward the restoration of your soul. In this way, you will find not only peace for yourself but a deeper connection to the world and to the lives of those you touch.