CRAWLING OUT OF CRISIS A 7-Step Emergency Guide for Men at Rock Bottom
When shame feels overwhelming and you don't know where to start.
"He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand." - Psalm 40:2
STEP 1: SURRENDER TO THE WILL OF JESUS
Your Action Today: Hit your knees in a posture of humility, and pray this simple prayer: "Jesus, I surrender this day, this moment, and my will to you. I can't do this alone. I’m depending on You." Do this first thing when getting out of bed at the same time every day for the next 7 days.
Why this matters: Surrender isn't giving up - it's giving over. You're acknowledging that your way led to crisis, and you need divine intervention.
Scripture to Anchor You: “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God.” -Galatians 2:20
STEP 2: CONFESSION AND HONESTY WITH GOD, OTHERS, AND SELF (DAILY)
Your Action Today: Write down everything you’ve done wrong. Spend time confessing to the Lord and at least one person. Write down a specific statement taking complete ownership of your actions, acknowledging how it hurt others, and release it into the hands of Jesus. Rest and trust in His grace that is greater than any sin you could ever commit.
Why this matters: Secrets keep you sick. The truth you hide in darkness loses its power when brought into the light. Surrendering all (good and bad) to Jesus is pivotal.
Scripture to Anchor You: "But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanses us from all sin.” -1 John 1:7
STEP 3: UNDERSTAND YOUR TRUE IDENTITY
Your Action Today: Write these truths on a notecard and read them aloud every morning: "I am God's beloved son. My worst failure does not define me. I am being redeemed and restored. My story is not over. The Lord will restore what the locusts have eaten"
Why this matters: Crisis makes you forget who you are. Your identity isn't your failure - it's your position as God's son.
Scripture to Anchor You: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, behold, the new has come" -2 Corinthians 5:17
STEP 4: DAILY RENEWAL OF MIND (TO REWIRE YOUR THINKING)
Your Action Today: Every time you catch yourself thinking "I'm worthless" or "I've ruined everything," immediately replace it with "I'm learning to be the man God created me to be." Write down how many times you do this replacement each day.
Why this matters: Your thoughts create your reality. Rewiring negative thought patterns is essential for your healing.
Scripture to Anchor You: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” -Romans 12:2
STEP 5: DISCIPLINE/SELF-CONTROL/ABIDING
Your Action Today: Choose ONE small discipline you can do consistently for 7 days - make your bed, take a 10-minute walk, read one Bible verse, or drink 8 glasses of water. Do it every day at the same time.
Why this matters: Small wins rebuild your confidence that you can keep commitments to yourself. Discipline in small things prepares you for bigger challenges.
Scripture to Anchor You: "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much" -Luke 16:10
STEP 6: HUMILITY (IN ALL THINGS)
Your Action Today: Apologize to one person you've hurt without making excuses or asking for forgiveness - simply acknowledge the pain you caused and take full responsibility. Say: "I was wrong. I hurt you. I take full responsibility."
Why this matters: Humility breaks the pride that led to your fall. It opens the door for healing in relationships and your own heart.
Scripture to Anchor You: “All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” -1 Peter 5:5-6
STEP 7: SERVICE ORIENTED TO GET YOUR EYES OFF YOURSELF
Your Action Today: Do one anonymous act of service today - pay for someone's coffee, help a neighbor with yard work, volunteer for 1 hour somewhere, or simply listen to someone who needs to talk.
Why this matters: Service reminds you that despite your failures, you still have value to offer others. It breaks the cycle of self-focused shame.
Scripture to Anchor You: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” -Philippians 2:3-4
EMERGENCY REMINDERS WHEN THE SHAME HITS HARD:
• You are not your worst moment
• God specializes in impossible redemptions
• Every hero's journey includes a valley
• Your pain can become someone else's hope
• Tomorrow is a new day to try again
START TODAY. START SMALL. BUT START.
Your future self is depending on the choice you make right now.
If you feel led to take that next step, you can reach out to me directly through the contact form on this website by clicking here. There’s no pressure and no obligation—just a conversation to help you discern what pursuing healing, repentance, and restoration could practically look like for you.
Crisis Hotline: If you're having thoughts of self-harm, call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) immediately.
