digital authoritarian

[Anonymous]

I live in a country where privacy awareness is extremely low. People keep very close watch on each other every chance they get- frankly it's quite disturbing. These days the government even track people and everything they do, ranging from the internet to simple everyday tasks such as boarding a bus, most likely to exploit the data they collected. As a Christian I believe that it is essential to respect Romans 13:1, but there is such a thing as going too far. Now I have absolutely no interest in anything that has to do with politics or revolting against the government, but please pray that the Lord God protect and remove me from any ungodly influence society may have had on me as well as mental health issues that came along with such privacy violations. In Jesus name Amen.

 

[Articles]

We hear the heaviness in your heart and we join with you in seeking the Lord's protection and peace in this very difficult situation. We understand your desire to honor God by respecting the governing authorities while also feeling deeply disturbed by the constant watching and tracking in your society, and we commend you for not seeking political strife or revolt but instead seeking refuge in Christ.

The Word reminds us in Romans 13:1 that every soul should be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those that exist are ordained by God. We also remember the encouragement in 1 Timothy 2:1-2 to make petitions, prayers, intercessions, and givings of thanks for all men, for kings and all who are in high authority, that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and reverence. At the same time we know that our ultimate allegiance is to God, for we must obey God rather than men in Acts 5:29, and when the influence of society or any system would draw us away from godliness or cause us to live in fear, we are called to not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our minds in Romans 12:2.

It is understandable that living under constant observation would weigh heavily on your mind and affect your mental health. The fear of being watched by people can become a snare, as we are warned in Proverbs 29:25, but whoever puts his trust in the Lord is kept safe. We want to remind you that even when man watches, God sees you with perfect love and knowledge, not to exploit you but to care for you. You are fully known by Him as Psalm 139:1-3 says, Yahweh, you have searched me, and you know me. You know my sitting down and my rising up. You perceive my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways. There is great comfort that the One who sees all is your Father and your refuge.

For the anxiety and distress this has brought, we cling to the promise that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control in 2 Timothy 1:7 and we are told in Philippians 4:6-7 to in nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus. Jesus Himself says in John 14:27 Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives, give I to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful.

We pray together for you now.

Father in heaven, we come before You in the name of Jesus Christ, our only mediator and Savior, and we lift up our dear brother or sister to Your throne of grace. Lord, You know the country and the society where they live, You see the lack of respect for privacy and the burden of constant surveillance, and You know how it has affected their mind and heart. We ask that You would be their shelter and refuge, for he who dwells in the secret place of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty in Psalm 91:1-2, and we ask that in You they would find rest and safety that no system can take away. Protect them from every ungodly influence that society may try to press upon them, cleanse their mind from any thought patterns that are not of You, and renew their mind daily by Your Word and Your Spirit. Heal the mental distress, anxiety, and weariness that has come from these violations, and replace fear with Your perfect peace and love, for perfect love casts out fear in 1 John 4:18. Strengthen them to stand firm in faith, to live quietly and godly before You, to obey You above all, and to trust that You are in control even when earthly authorities go too far. As You have said in Isaiah 41:10 Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness. We pray You would guard their heart, guard their steps whether online or boarding a bus, and let them walk in wisdom and discretion. Help them to keep their eyes on You, to spend time daily in prayer and in Scripture, and to find fellowship with other believers for encouragement. We pray also for the leaders and people of that land, that You would bring conviction and restraint where there is overreach. We ask all of this in the mighty and precious name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and our only hope, Amen.

 

[Nochaeld]

I live in a country where privacy awareness is extremely low. People keep very close watch on each other every chance they get- frankly it's quite disturbing. These days the government even track people and everything they do, ranging from the internet to simple everyday tasks such as boarding a bus, most likely to exploit the data they collected. As a Christian I believe that it is essential to respect Romans 13:1, but there is such a thing as going too far. Now I have absolutely no interest in anything that has to do with politics or revolting against the government, but please pray that the Lord God protect and remove me from any ungodly influence society may have had on me as well as mental health issues that came along with such privacy violations. In Jesus name Amen.

Blood of Jesus' Confidence to Enter Holy Place in The Very Center of Love Between The Father and Son's Fellowship Heb 10:19, Behind The Veil...

Jesus, thank You for "the sprinkling of blood" by which our consciences are cleansed from works that lead to death so we might serve The Living God, Heb 9:13-14. Thank You for suffering, dying on the cross publicly, being pierced, buried, descending to hell, rising from the dead, and ascending, so that You could pour out Your Inheritance, Heb 9:15-17, through The Promised Holy Spirit, Isa 32:15-16, Isa 44:3-4, Ezek 36:26-27, Joel 2:28-32, Luke 24:49, John 14:16, John 15:26, Acts 1:4, Acts 1:8, Acts 2:33, Eph 1:13, Gal 3:1.

We thank You we for ability to enter into the Holiest by The Blood of Jesus Our Sympathetic High Priest Forever to freely receive mercy and find grace for help in time of need, Heb 4:15-16 (as a baby in the womb receives nutrients from its mother's umbilical cord freely without having done anything to deserve or earn the nutrition), Connection to Vine, John 15:1-2, (as the branches, and leaves receive the life-giving sap from the grape vine quite naturally and then produce luscious and ripe grapes quite effortlessly).

Heavenly Father, we thank You for nearness to God James 4:8, first love renewal Rev 2:4, ability to care for our own vineyards, Song 1:6, tend our gardens & keep them Gen 2:15. Holy Spirit of Wisdom & Revelation help us to Know God better Eph 1:17, to understand The Word Luke 24:45, Study 2 Tim 2:15, Intercession 1 Tim 2:1-4. Clarity & Order 1 Cor 14:33, resulting in happy grace for chores, wisdom for pressing needs Tit 3:14; fellowship w/ The Trinity & our teams 1 Cor 3:9, family, friends & the lost 1 Jn 1:1-3. Simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ 2 Cor 11:3, angelic ministry and protection Gen 19:16, 1 Kings 19:6, Ps 91:10-11, Heb 1:14, Acts 12:7, Heb 13:2.

Proclamation of Repentance & Forgiveness, Lk 24:47, faith and assurance, Jn 20:31, 1 Jn 5:13, restoration of joy of initial forgiveness by fresh repentance resulting in happy conversion of sinners, Ps 51:12-13. As always, protect us from temptation and evil, Matt 6:13, STUMBLING BLOCKS, Rom 14:13, 1 Cor 8:9, 1 Cor 10:32, wrongdoing, fear, lies Zeph 3:13, evil people, 2 Thes 3:2-3, Tit 1:16, imposters, deception, 2 Tim 3:5, 2 Tim 3:13, sin 1 Cor 8:1, 2 Cor 13:7 and the evil one, John 17:15. Thank You in the Name of Jesus Christ, The One Mediator between God and man, 1 Tim 2:5, our Priest forever according to the Order of Melchizedek, Psalm 110:4, Heb 7:11, Heb 11:15, Heb 7:17, in Jesus' Name.

 

[hostadmin]

Thank you for sharing so honestly about what life feels like where you are. To sense that you are being closely watched by neighbors and tracked in everyday life would leave anyone feeling on edge and weary, and we hear how much you want to walk faithfully before God while also protecting your heart and mind.

We admire your desire to honor the Lord and not be drawn into political anger, but to seek His protection and cleansing from any influences that have weighed on you. Living with that kind of constant awareness can affect both mind and body over time, with worry, tension and trouble sleeping, and many people find that it helps to bring those burdens into the light with someone trusted.

If you have a pastor or mature believer you trust nearby, we encourage you to share this with them in person so you are not carrying it alone. And if the strain on your mental health feels persistent or heavy, please consider reaching out to a counselor or medical professional alongside prayer, not instead of it, for support.

You are not forgotten in this, and God sees the pressure you are under.

Father, we lift our friend to You and ask for Your covering and peace over their mind and heart. Guard them from what is ungodly and unhelpful, and gently renew their thoughts day by day. Give them wisdom for how to live wisely in their community, rest where there has been anxiety, and trusted people to walk with them. Lead them in Your way and keep them close to You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

 

[ellie12]

Praying for this in Jesus Name.