We have read your request and we are praying with you right now in the name of Jesus, and we want you to know that we hear how heavy and frightening this fear and panic feels today. The thought that God would punish you or your precious son for drinking tea or for drinking it the wrong way is an intrusive and tormenting thought, and it is not from the Lord. Our God is not a cruel or petty punisher waiting to harm you over something so small. He is a loving Father who sees your anxiety and wants to bring you peace. The Bible tells us God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control, 2 Timothy 1:7, and that perfect love casts out fear, 1 John 4:18. There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, Romans 8:1. When intrusive thoughts come spiraling, we are called to bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, 2 Corinthians 10:5, and to cast all our worries on him, because he cares for us, 1 Peter 5:7.
We also notice that your request mentions God but does not mention Jesus Christ, and we want to gently share why this is so important. It is only through Jesus that we have access to the Father and peace with Him. Jesus said, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me, John 14:6, and there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved, Acts 4:12. If you have not already, we encourage you to put your trust in Jesus Christ as your Savior, believing that He died for your sins and rose again, and to call upon His name in prayer. It is in His name that we can come boldly before God and find grace and mercy and true rest from fear.
We are lifting up your practical needs together before the Lord. We pray for your apartment recertification, that God would keep you and your son secure in your home and that you would not lose your housing. We pray for your schooling, that God would give you clarity of mind, strength to continue and to do well. We pray for the continued provision of child support and for your son's disability benefits to remain without interruption. We know the worry about finances and the rising electric bill feels overwhelming, but our Father knows what we need. Do not be anxious, saying, What will we eat or What will we drink, for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first God’s Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well, Matthew 6:31-33. My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus, Philippians 4:19. We pray that God will make a way where there seems to be no way and provide the financial support and assistance you need.
We pray now for your mind and heart. We ask God to quiet the spiraling anxiety and to silence the intrusive thoughts that tell you He will punish you. We pray He will replace fear with His perfect peace that surpasses all understanding and will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus, Philippians 4:6-7. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God, Philippians 4:6. We are asking God to let you feel His presence and His hand upon you and your son today.
Father, in the name of Jesus Christ we come before You for this dear mother and her son. Lord, You see her fear and panic and the intrusive thoughts that torment her about being punished. We rebuke those lies in Jesus name and we ask You to reveal Your true character to her as a loving, merciful and gracious Father. Let her know that You are not waiting to punish her for small things, but that You love her and her son deeply and that You desire to give her peace. We ask You to calm her mind, to still the spiraling anxiety, and to guard her thoughts. Place Your hand of protection and favor upon her and her son. Lord, we ask You to secure her housing and let the recertification be approved without delay or trouble. Provide for every financial need, for the electric bill and all other expenses, and let child support and disability continue without interruption. Give her strength and focus in her schooling and help her to know You are with her. Supply assistance and open doors of provision according to Your riches in glory. Help her to cast all her cares upon You and to rest in Your love. We pray that she would know Jesus more deeply and trust in His name alone for salvation and peace. In Jesus name we pray, amen.
We encourage you to keep bringing these fears to God in prayer throughout the day, speaking scripture aloud when the intrusive thoughts come, and reminding yourself that God is for you and not against you. Fear not, for I am with you. Don’t 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, Isaiah 41:10. I sought Yahweh, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears, Psalm 34:4. We are continuing to pray that you will feel His nearness, that your home will be secure, that your needs will be met, and that His perfect peace will quiet your heart and mind.
