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Lesson 1: Denial


Facing the Truth Is the First Step Toward Healing

Before we can take the first step in recovery, we must first face and admit our denial. God makes it clear that we cannot heal a wound by pretending it doesn’t exist:

“They dress the wound of my people as though it were not serious.”— Jeremiah 6:14

Denial keeps us stuck. It delays healing and deepens pain. The acrostic DENIAL helps us understand what happens when we refuse to face the truth.


D — Disables Our Feelings

When we suppress our feelings, we freeze our emotions. Unfelt feelings don’t disappear — they accumulate. Healing begins when we allow ourselves to feel honestly and name what’s happening inside us.

“They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of destructive habits—for people are slaves to whatever has mastered them.”— 2 Peter 2:19

Understanding and expressing our feelings is not weakness — it is freedom.

E — Energy Lost

One side effect of denial is anxiety. Anxiety drains precious energy as we run from our past and worry about the future. True change happens only in the present — today.

“The Lord sets prisoners free; the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down.”— Psalm 146:7–8

Denial keeps us exhausted. Truth restores strength.

N — Negates Growth

We are only as sick as our secrets. Growth in recovery cannot begin until we step out of denial and into truth.

“They cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He saved them from their distress. He brought them out of darkness and broke away their chains.”— Psalm 107:13–14

Secrets keep us stuck. Truth sets us free.

I — Isolates Us from God

God’s light exposes truth. Denial keeps us in darkness.

“God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all… But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus purifies us from all sin.”— 1 John 1:5–7

Denial blocks intimacy with God. Honesty restores fellowship.

A — Alienates Us from Relationships

Denial convinces us that no one knows — but others often see what we refuse to face. Denial damages trust and disconnects us from others.

“Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.”— Ephesians 4:25

When we lie to others, we ultimately hurt ourselves.

L — Lengthens the Pain

Denial promises protection from pain, but in reality it allows pain to grow, fester, and turn into shame and guilt.

“I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,” declares the Lord.— Jeremiah 30:17

Healing begins when denial ends.

The First Principle of Recovery

Accept that you are powerless over your hurts, habits, and hang-ups — and that your life has become unmanageable.

Step out of denial and step into the unconditional love and grace of Jesus Christ, your Higher Power.

Reflection: Write About It

Take time to journal honestly about the following:

  • What areas of your life do you currently have power or control over? Be specific.

  • What areas of your life feel out of control or unmanageable?

  • How do you think taking this first step will help you?

  • As a child, what coping skills did you use to get attention or protect yourself?

  • In your family of origin, what “family secret” was everyone protecting?

  • How do you typically handle pain and disappointment?

  • How can you begin to address your denial?

  • In what areas of your life are you beginning to face reality?

  • Are you developing a support team?

    • Are you asking for phone numbers at meetings?

    • List your support contacts here.


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