Welcome to Celebrate Recovery at Peters Creek Baptist Church! In this episode, Craig— a grateful believer in Jesus Christ who struggles with alcoholism and people-pleasing—shares how Psalm 146 speaks directly into the journey of recovery.

This message explores the link between denial and anxiety, and how both can drain our energy, distort our reality, and keep us stuck. But the psalm reminds us of a deeper truth:

• The Lord upholds the oppressed.

• The Lord gives food to the hungry.

• The Lord sets prisoners free.

• The Lord opens blind eyes.

• The Lord lifts up the bowed down.

Through personal stories, practical steps, and Scripture, Craig invites us to move from denial into truth, from anxiety into trust, and from fear into freedom.

Key Themes

• Denial and Anxiety: How pretending “I’m fine” actually fuels exhaustion and fear.

• Living in the Present: Positive change only happens now—not in the past or the future.

• Steps Toward Freedom: Admitting powerlessness, trusting Jesus as our Higher Power, and surrendering one moment at a time.

• People-Pleasing & Fear: Learning that love isn’t managing outcomes but walking in truth.

• Practical Tools: The “Here, Lord” prayer, daily bread trust, honest inventory, and celebrating small freedoms.

Takeaways

• Denial drains energy; surrender brings healing.

• Anxiety thrives in isolation but withers in community.

• Jesus meets us in the present moment with freedom, peace, and love.

• Transformation begins with small, honest steps toward God.

Resources & Next Steps

• Join Us In Person: Fridays at 7 PM at Peters Creek Baptist Church, 6300 Library Road, South Park, PA.

• Find a Group Near You: Visit crlocator.com to connect with a Celebrate Recovery in your area.

• Scripture to Remember: “The Lord sets prisoners free; the Lord opens the eyes of the blind; the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down.” (Psalm 146:7–8)

You don’t have to walk this path alone. There’s a seat for you here.