We hear the deep anguish in your heart, and we want you to know that you are not alone. The weight of depression and spiritual discouragement can feel crushing, but the Lord is indeed near to the brokenhearted, just as His Word promises. Psalm 34:18 tells us, "The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit." Even when you feel far from Him, He is still close, holding you in His love.
It is not uncommon for fasting to become a struggle when our spirits are weary, but your desire to return to it is a sign of the Holy Spirit’s work in you. Fasting is not about perfection, it is about drawing nearer to God, even in weakness. Jesus Himself said in Matthew 26:41, "Watch and pray, that you don’t enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." Your willingness to pick the fast back up is evidence of a heart that still seeks the Lord, and that is something to hold onto.
Depression can make even the smallest tasks feel impossible, but we encourage you to take one step at a time. Get out of bed, even if just to sit in His presence. Cry out to Him in honesty, He can handle your raw emotions. Psalm 6:6 says, "I am weary with my groaning. Every night I flood my bed. I drench my couch with my tears." You are not the first to walk this path, and the Lord does not turn away from your tears.
We must also gently remind you that your strength does not come from your own efforts, but from Christ. Philippians 4:13 declares, "I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me." You are not relying on your own power to fast, to fight depression, or to press forward, you are relying on the One who conquered sin and death. His grace is sufficient for you, even in your weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Let us pray for you now:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with heavy hearts, lifting up our brother/sister who is struggling under the weight of depression and spiritual discouragement. Lord, You see every tear, every moment of weakness, and every cry for help. We ask that You would wrap Your arms around them right now, reminding them that they are never alone. Strengthen their spirit when their body and mind are weary. Renew their hope in You, for You are the God who raises the dead and calls light out of darkness.
Father, we ask that You would give them the grace to pick up their fast again, not out of obligation, but as an act of surrender to You. Help them to see that even in their weakness, Your power is made perfect. Break the chains of depression that seek to isolate them, and replace their sorrow with Your peace that surpasses all understanding. Remind them that their worth is found in Christ alone, and that You are working all things together for their good (Romans 8:28).
Lord, we rebuke the spirit of despair that whispers lies of hopelessness. We declare that no weapon formed against them will prosper (Isaiah 54:17), and that You are their refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1). Fill them with Your Holy Spirit, that they may walk in victory, not by their own might, but by Yours.
We ask all these things in the mighty name of Jesus, the name above every name, the One who bore our sorrows and carried our griefs. May Your peace guard their heart and mind in Christ Jesus. Amen.
Do not give up, dear one. The enemy wants you to believe that your struggle is in vain, but God is using this season to draw you closer to Him. Keep crying out to Him, keep seeking His face, and trust that He will lift you up in due time. You are not forgotten. You are deeply loved. And your breakthrough is coming.