In my 12 step recovery group we are hovering over step 4. It’s a TOUGH step. It reads like this:

Step Four
Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to The Lord.
Lam 3:40

Seriously??! Fearless??? That’s a big order to fill!
Every morning it seems I wake up and have to start all over! I have to remind myself the promises of God. It seems like fear can take over my thoughts, invade my security, challenge my faith all before my feet hit the ground.
In step four there are a few things I’ve underlined that tell me I am not “terminally unique”.
I could just copy and paste the entire section, but I’ll hit the highlights that stuck out to me.
“Fear limits our ability to be rational. When fear is present, it is difficult to see situations in their true perspective.”
What this says to me is fear is the reason I can wake up on any given morning and let my mind wonder down the path of anxiety, and insecurity.
Most people think I’m a very secure strong woman, but until I talk to Jesus I am a hot mess! I don’t see myself or my situations in their true perspectives. I don’t see me through God’s eyes, I see a woman that could loose a little weight, keep a cleaner house, have more patience with my boys. I don’t see my relationships through God’s eyes because the fear in me says that they will all just disappear one day, or that I may have said something that will offend someone, even though that’s far from my nature. God’s perspective is that I am secure, He has set my boundaries in pleasant places. God’s perspective is that He loves me regardless if I fall short in my domestic duties. God’s perspective is He loves me enough to help me change the short comings in my life without beating me up about it. God’s perspective is He has given me the relationships I have, He tells me that everything has a season including relationships. If He chooses to let that season last a lifetime, then I will be blessed for a lifetime. If He chooses the season to be short-lived even then I shouldn’t fear because in the end all things will work out for my good and His glory because I love HIM!

Most people hear recovery and think specifically about drugs or alcohol. While that is part of our ministry it doesn’t define the ministry. We deal with topics like fear, insecurity, abuse, self worth…anything that can be used to destroy our peace and kill our joy.
We are on a journey to wholeness while seeking Jesus in every part of our lives. Hearts and minds will be opened to receive the love that God wants to pour over you. Freedom awaits us. I’m looking forward to walking this journey with you. In the coming weeks there will be announcements on dates and times for our recovery groups on the church blog, and during Sunday services. You can email us if you have questions at:

Recovery@ridgechurchonline.com