Video Transcript: Practicing the GROUND Tool

Video 4C: Practicing the GROUND Tool

When fear, panic feelings, or overthinking begin to take control of the inner conversation, use the GROUND tool.

GROUND helps you return to God, your body, the present moment, and one faithful action.

The letter G means: Give the thought to God.

Name the thought honestly.

Lord, I am afraid that something terrible will happen.

Lord, my thoughts are racing.

Lord, this feeling is loud, but You are Lord.

You do not need impressive words. Bring God the sentence that is actually running through your mind.

The letter R means: Return to the present moment.

Fear often pulls attention into an imagined future.

Return to where you are now.

Name five things you can see.

Name four things you can physically feel.

Name three things you can hear.

Name two things you can smell.

Then name one thing for which you can thank God.

This is not pretending that your concern is unimportant. It is helping your attention return to the moment God has given you.

The letter O means: Open the body to wise care.

Unclench your hands if you can.

Relax your shoulders.

Breathe gently.

Drink some water.

Sit down.

Stretch.

Walk to a quieter place.

Call a safe person.

Your body is not your enemy. It is part of your organic human life before God.

The letter U means: Use one Scripture sentence.

Choose something short enough to remember.

“When I am afraid, I will put my trust in you.”

“God is our refuge and strength.”

“Cast all your worries on him, because he cares for you.”

Do not use Scripture as a weapon against yourself.

Use it as truth, comfort, direction, and a reminder of God’s presence.

The letter N means: Notice the next faithful action.

Ask:

What is one small thing I can do now?

Perhaps the next step is finishing one simple task.

Perhaps it is stepping outside.

Perhaps it is texting someone you trust.

Perhaps it is making an appointment for professional support.

Perhaps it is leaving an unsafe situation or contacting emergency help.

Do not demand that you solve your entire future in this moment.

Choose one faithful step.

The letter D means: Do it with Christ.

You do not have to act perfectly.

Take the step prayerfully.

Lord Jesus, walk with me as I do the next thing.

Let us practice the whole tool.

Give the thought to God.

Return to the present moment.

Open the body to wise care.

Use one Scripture sentence.

Notice the next faithful action.

Do it with Christ.

GROUND is not a guarantee that every fearful feeling will immediately disappear. It is a practice that helps interrupt the spiral and creates space for truth, wise care, and faithful action.

Repeated or severe panic deserves compassionate professional attention. Seeking help can be part of practicing GROUND.

You are not failing because you need support.

Fear may rush you, but grace helps you slow down.

You do not need to control everything.

Return to God.

Return to the present.

Take the next faithful step with Christ.