You are right, and had I known all this, I wouldn't've sent it, Phil. 
It sounds like the Recovery Program, doesn't it?

Reeva

At 03:53 PM 2/22/2008, Phil Scovell said:



> > Followup Commentary.
> >
> > > Subject: LIMITING ANXIOUS FEELINGS
> > > >
> > > He said, When I'm facing such situations, I try to follow
> > > > the six steps  described below to limit
> > > > my anxious feelings.
> > > >
> > > > First, state the problem. A problem well stated is half solved. In
> > > > anxious states of mind, people can't see the forest for the trees.
> > > > Put the problem in perspective. Will it matter for eternity? The
> > > > danger at this juncture is to seek ungodly counsel. The world is
> > > > glutted with magicians and sorcerers who
> > > > will promise incredible results. Their appearance may be striking.
> > > > Their personality may be charming. But they are bankrupt of
> > > > character. Avoid them. (Psalm 1:1).
> >
> > Number One Comments.
> > What if you don't know the identity of the problem or what is even causing
> > it in the first place?  What if you are lost in the middle of an endless
> > ocean of mixed emotions instead a forest of trees?
> >
> >
> > > > He said, Second, separate the facts from the assumptions. Since we
>don't
> > know
> > > > what's going to happen tomorrow, we make assumptions, and we usually
> > > > assume the worst.
> > > >
> > > > If the assumption is accepted as truth, it will drive your mind to
> > > > its anxiety limits. Therefore, you must separate assumptions from
>facts.
> >
> > Number Two Comments.
> > What if you don't know the facts about what you face and you are unawares
>of
> > determining the facts?
> > > >
> > > He said, Third, determine what you have the right or ability to control.
> > You
> > > > are responsible for that which you can control, and you are not
> > > > responsible for that which you can't. Don't try to cast your
> > > > responsibility onto Christ; He will throw it back.
> >
> > Number Three Comments.
> > Meanie Jesus.  Tossing back what you cannot bear.  Control?  How can you
> > control uncontrollable circumstances that just ran into you without
>warning?
> > What if you can't control even your thoughts?  Where is Jesus when you
>need
> > Him the most?
> > > >
> > > > He said, Fourth, list everything you can do which is related to the
> > situation
> > > > that is under your responsibility. When people don't assume
> > > > their  responsibility, they turn to temporary cures for their
> > > > anxiety, like eating, TV, sex or drugs.
> >
> > Number Four Comments.
> > What he means is, you aren't worth spit as far as God is concerned because
> > you won't take responsibility for your own problems.  In short, God
>doesn't
> > care if you are trapped by the anxiety that you should be able to handle
>on
> > your own in the first damn place.
> >
> >
> > > > He said, Fifth, once you are sure you have fulfilled your
> > responsibility, see
> > > > if there is any way you can help others. Turning your attention away
> > > > from your  own self-absorption and onto helping people around you is
> > > > not only the loving thing to do, but it also brings a special inner
> > peace.
> >
> > Number Five Comments.
> > This is the old standard come back, everybody else is worse off than you.
> > So run right out into the traffic, find a volunteer freaking job, help
> > others, and it will make you feel so much better, you'll forget all about
> > your fears and anxieties which God isn't interested in helping you with in
> > the first place, dummy.
> > > >
> > > > Finaly, he said, Sixth, the rest is God's responsibility, except for
> > your prayer,
> > > > according to Philippians 4:6-8. So assume  your responsibility, but
> > > > cast your anxiety on Christ.
> >
> > Number Six Comments.
> > The rest is up to who?  You just were told in five, and possible six,
>steps,
> > how to manage your own freaking anxiety without God's help at all.  Why
> > would you now even think to pray if you don't need God to help you in the
> > first place.  Where did Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and the Bible go in these
> > six steps in the first place?
> >
> > This has been a slightly cynical response to one of the dumbest Christian
> > advice articles I have read in years.
> >
> > Phil.