The cycle of recovery
When Caroline looked back on her recovery journey, she identified three steps that worked continually to improve her emotional, mental, and spiritual health. To live a recovery lifestyle, this cycle of recovery is essential for ongoing mental wellness. God has promised to never leave us, so remember to rely on the power and presence of the Holy Spirit as you move through hope, transformation, and victory.
Find Hope
Hope is the first step in the healing process because when we are down and out, filled with despair, we need hope to inspire us to take action on our own behalf. We can walk toward our future, even when walking through heartache and pain.
So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary. Jesus has already gone in there for us. He has become our eternal High Priest in the order of Melchizedek. (Hebrews 6:18-20, NLT)
As our hope grows, so does our desire to be transformed.
Experience transformation
Transformation is a lifelong journey winding through deep, dark valleys and climbing up inspiring mountaintops. Each step along the way shapes who we are and transforms our lives.
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. (Romans 12:2, NLT)
As we go through this time of transformation, our eyes are opened to victories achieved, no matter how big or small they seem.
Recognize Victory
Victory is found with every obstacle we overcome. When we get out of bed, keep commitments, or make healthy decisions. We walk more confidently as we realize we can persevere.
Jesus said to the disciples, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But takeheart, because I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, NLT)
For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? (1 John 5:4-5, NASB)
With each victory, our hope grows as we look to the Lord to guide us into the future.
The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord. (Proverbs 21:31, ESV)
God is our source of victory!
Check out Caroline’s books, podcast, and presentation topics to support you in your journey to find hope, experience transformation, and recognize victory in your life!
- Anchor photo by jötâkå on Unsplash
- Butterfly photo by Suzanne D. Williams on Unsplash
- Trophy photo by Giorgio Trovato on Unsplash
- Cross photo by Samuel McGarrigle on Unsplash