Step 5: Uncovering Things Hidden

There are some things we would rather keep hidden.

Mistakes we’ve made. Ways we’ve hurt others. Resentments we’ve carried. Things from our past that still bring shame when we think about them.

But keeping those things buried can keep us stuck.

Step Five in recovery is about bringing what we discovered in Step Four out of hiding—first before God, and then with someone we trust.

That can feel frightening. We may wonder what another person will think of us if they really know our story.

But I wrote this in in my book, 12 Steps to Recovery from Overeating:

“This step can be scary initially but is actually very freeing.”

There is something powerful about sitting with a safe, trustworthy person and realizing we no longer have to carry our past alone.

We can begin to see ourselves and our experiences more clearly. Another person may even help us recognize things we couldn't see on our own.

And most importantly, we can begin to understand God's forgiveness and grace at a deeper level.

We don't have to hide.

We can bring our past into the light and allow God to use honesty, grace, and the support of others to move us toward healing and freedom.

“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” — James 5:16

If you’d like to work through the 12 Steps from a Christ-centered perspective, my book, 12 Steps to Recovery from Overeating: A Christ-Centered Walk Through the 12 Steps, is available on Amazon. Each step includes teaching, Scripture, and questions to help you apply it to your own recovery.

You can find my book on Amazon.