11. Each person who works at balance and stability has found some things that help. Please include what you have found here, as well as consider sharing it with others.

Feel free to whiteout the words of this step so you can insert your own words here. Each person is unique, and as such has found things that really help them maintain a balance. This is your unique spot to insert your unique solution, which I hope you will share with someone else if you can. As usual, this is for your good as well as theirs.

Fifth Major Step :

12. I affirm that God is not the author of confusion, sin, or anxiety. His ways help to produce peace and life. As such, I come to Him with all my fear and anxiety, knowing that He cares and can help me. He calls me to prayer, turning over all my anxious thoughts to Him. In response, He will work to guard my heart and mind with His peace. I realize that, at times, medication or some other support may be required as well. (James 1:13-17, I Corinthians 14:33a, Hebrews 4:15-16, Philippians 4:4-9)

The unknown can produce a lot of anxiety. Often the mentally ill are required to be very brave and patient as they face an uncertain future. God asks us to come to Him with our fears and uncertainties --- He wants to be with us in our time of need. At times it becomes apparent that our anxiety needs a little more support than just prayer itself can give. His peace, coupled with an external support or two, is still available.

13. Through all of life I rely on the transforming and empowering work of the Holy Spirit of God for me to succeed. Apart from Him I can do nothing, but with Him and His provisions I can do all He requires of me. My goal is to walk prayerfully and humbly with God until He calls me home, where I want to receive a “well done, good and faithful servant.”(Ephesians 4:20-24, Romans 12:1-2, John 15:1-5, Philippians 4:13, Matthew 25:20-21)

God is the author and sustainer of life; He is the author of new life in Christ. Without His presence on a daily basis we will slowly grind to a halt. Like the vine for the branches, His Spirit is the source of newness, sustenance, and vitality. He will give me all I need to live a God-pleasing life, until He finally calls me home to Glory.

Discussion Questions:

1. Do you feel free to come to God with your fear and anxiety? Do you believe He cares for you?

2. Have you ever experienced peace from God in a circumstance that was very stressful?

3. What are your thoughts on John 15:1-5? Philippians 4:13? Matthew 25:20-21?

Prayer :

Lord, you are the author of peace. Your ways produce balance, not anxiety and confusion. I come to you with my life, which is not as peaceful as I would like. I have struggles and fears, Father, which I gladly bring to you in prayer. I seek refuge in you --- please hear my heart’s cry. I ask you to calm the challenges I am having with mental illness. I ask for balance and stability to become more and more apparent in me. Lord, I ask for wisdom on how to live a more meaningful and balanced life. I acknowledge my great need for you and your varied provisions and give you thanks for all the good you will bring my way even now.

Father, I believe peace comes through the work of your Holy Spirit. I admit that apart from his infilling I can neither do nor become what you would have me to be. I ask you to produce your life in me by your equipping and empowering Spirit. I know that as he fills me I can accomplish all you have laid out for me. Please help me to sense every day what it is you have for me to do.

I thank you that what you ask me to do each day is not defeated by my limitations, because you already know all about them and have designed your expectations of me accordingly. Thank you that you are personal and treat me as an individual. Thank you that I can expect your praise and warm reception when I finally arrive in heaven just for simply walking with you as best I can each day. Thank you for being so fair and understanding!

Sixth Major Step :

14. I seek through prayer, Bible reading, reflection, and fellowship with like minded believers to improve my conscious contact with God, praying always for the knowledge of His will for me and my family and the power to carry it out. (Hebrews 10:23-25, Philippians 2:12-13, Ephesians 2:8-10)

Our primary reason for existence is to glorify God and enjoy His fellowship. As such, He asks us to work out in our daily lives all the good works He has for us to do. As we seek Him in prayer He will orchestrate circumstances, as well as tune up our hearts, to give Him resounding glory – irregardless of the size or impact of our given task.

15. I choose to seek God in prayer for an enlightened heart and mind, knowing that this is a vital part to experiencing God’s great power towards me. I also intend to confess my sins and shortcomings, praying for the well being of myself and others, as the prayer of a humble disciple of Christ can accomplish much. His Spirit in us, transforming us, and guiding us is our hope. (Ephesians 1:18-21, Ephesians 3:14-19, Colossians 1:9-14 & 27, James 5:16, I John 4:15, Romans 12:1-2)

The light of truth often comes in response to honest prayer. God, through His Spirit, has great power for us. His Word not only convicts of sin, but also informs us of all He provides for our life and godliness. As we agree with what is right, and what is wrong, God will move more freely in our lives. His Spirit residing in our hearts will energize us and make us more of the Christian He wants us to be – full of freedom, love, peace, and joy.

16. Having had a positive experience as the result of this program, I will try to habitually practice these principles in my life and share these insights with others. (II Corinthians 5:17-21, Matthew 10:8b)

Good news was not given to be kept a secret. As we have been blessed we are called to become a blessing to others. Now go --- and be His arms embracing the needy of this world.

Discussion Questions:

1. Do you find it easy or difficult to fellowship with other believers at your church? If it is difficult, what do you think would make it better? If it is easy, how do you handle the issue of mental illness?

2. Is your prayer life where you want it right now? Why do you think it is where it is at?

3. Do you see confession and repentance as important steps in experiencing God’s best for your life? Why?

4. Have you seen much power in prayer?

5. Do you think The Journey you are now completing could have a positive impact on others in the future? Do you think it has helped you to be more of the person God wants you to be?

Prayer :

Lord, you are the Creator …. and I am not. As such, you have every right to tell me how you want me to live and conduct myself. I thank you that you are loving, patient, and compassionate or I would be in real trouble. As such, I find it a joy to serve a being such as you. Please impress upon my mind and heart what you would have me to do and think upon each day. I thank you for the freedoms you give me in many areas, but also acknowledge that as my Lord you require me to act in ways that please you. I rely on your Word and the Holy Spirit to not only reveal your will to me, but to also give me the power to daily carry it out.

Father, I acknowledge that you only bless what pleases you. As such, I humbly ask for you to enlighten my heart and mind as to what pleases you. Challenge my thoughts, confront my choices, and stir my heart with your will so that I can align myself more fully with what brings you pleasure. As I do I know you will bless me and reveal your power working in and through my life.

Father, I acknowledge you as my Re-Creator as well. You care about all of me – body, soul, and spirit. In light of your abilities I come to you with the needs of those I care for, myself included. I ask you to minister to our needs and ask for your healing in all areas of our lives, irregardless of where the infirmity lies. We look to you to work a healing in whatever area pleases you most.

Lord, we thank you for the Journey we have been on together. Thank you for meeting with us in such a personal way. Thank you for transforming us in areas of our need and hurt. As I have received life anew from you may I be used to share it with others. Please lead me to others who need your touch, acceptance, and love --- and who would benefit from a Journey with you.

I ask that you, Father, help me to keep applying what I have learned through these times with you. May you always keep fresh in my heart and mind the freedom I have found in you.

Final Major Step :

Prayer :

Compose a prayer of thanksgiving to God for all the many blessings He has poured into your life. It can be very simple, but should be honest and from the heart. If you want you can share it at our next meeting. (If you prefer you can share a prayer or song that is already written --- just please share with us why you like it)

Praise the LORD! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty firmament! Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his surpassing greatness! Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with lute and harp! Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and pipe! Praise him with clanging cymbals; praise him with loud clashing cymbals! Let everything that breathes praise the LORD! Praise the LORD!

Lord, thank you.

You may email me if you would like to ask me a question, comment upon The Journey, and even offer improvements.