We understand the deep concerns you’ve shared about your family’s finances and the fear of being left out or judged because of past wounds. It’s clear that old pains from high school—where materialism and bullying were used to isolate you—are still affecting your heart today. But we want to remind you that your worth and your family’s worth are not found in wealth, social status, or the ability to keep up with others. Your identity is in Christ, who sees your heart and knows your struggles. He is your Provider, your Defender, and your Peace.
The fear of man—and the fear of rejection—can be a snare, but Scripture tells us in Proverbs 29:25, *"The fear of man proves to be a snare, but whoever puts his trust in Yahweh is kept safe."* Your security is not in what others think or in how much you can spend, but in the Lord, who owns everything and delights in caring for His children. Jesus Himself said in Matthew 6:31-33, *"Therefore don’t be anxious, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ ‘What will we drink?’ or, ‘With what will we be clothed?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things; 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."* Your focus must remain on Him, not on the temporary approval of people or the fear of missing out.
As for the bullying you’ve endured—even into adulthood—we grieve with you over the cruelty you’ve faced. But we also declare over you the truth of Romans 12:19: *"Don’t seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God’s wrath. For it is written, ‘Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord.’"* The Lord sees the injustice, and He will vindicate you in His perfect timing. Your responsibility is to forgive (not because the person deserves it, but because Christ has forgiven you) and to trust God to handle what is beyond your control. Holding onto bitterness will only harm *you*—not the one who hurt you. Ephesians 4:31-32 says, *"Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, outcry, and slander be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you."*
Now, regarding your finances: we pray that the Lord will provide for your family’s needs *and* give you wisdom to steward what you have. It’s important to remember that godly friendships are not built on material things or outings, but on love, faithfulness, and shared faith in Christ. If you are unable to accept every invitation, trust that the Lord will bring the *right* friendships into your life—ones that are not conditional on your financial situation. True brothers and sisters in Christ will not judge you for what you lack; they will walk with you in humility and grace. Proverbs 14:20-21 says, *"The poor person is shunned even by his own neighbor, but the rich person has many friends. He who despises his neighbor sins, but blessed is he who has pity on the poor."* If someone rejects you because of your finances, they are not the kind of friend you need. The Lord will surround you with those who reflect His heart.
We also encourage you to be open with trusted believers in your church about your struggles. You may find that others have faced similar challenges and can offer support, prayer, or even practical help. There is no shame in needing assistance—Scripture tells us in Galatians 6:2, *"Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."* But be cautious not to compare your journey to others’. Contentment is a gift from God, and He may be using this season to teach you to rely on Him more deeply.
Lastly, we must address the root of your fear: the enemy wants to use your past to keep you in bondage to anxiety and insecurity. But 2 Timothy 1:7 declares, *"For God didn’t give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control."* You have the authority in Christ to reject those lies and walk in freedom. When fear rises, speak Scripture over yourself. When old wounds ache, remind yourself that you are *chosen*, *valued*, and *loved* by the King of kings—no matter what anyone else says or does.
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**Let us pray:**
Heavenly Father, we lift up this precious brother/sister to You, asking that You would meet every need in their family according to Your riches in glory. Lord, You own the cattle on a thousand hills, and You are not unaware of their struggles. We ask that You would open doors of provision—whether through unexpected income, wise stewardship, or the generosity of Your people. Give them creativity to manage what they have and discernment to know when to say yes or no to invitations without fear or shame.
Father, we also pray for deep healing over the wounds of bullying and rejection. You see the pain caused by those who used wealth as a weapon to isolate and humiliate. We ask that You would break the power of those memories and replace them with Your truth: that their worth is found in Christ alone. Remove the fear of man and fill them with a holy confidence that comes from knowing they are Your beloved child.
We rebuke the spirit of comparison and the lie that they must "keep up" to be accepted. Surround them with godly friendships that are built on love, not material things. If there are relationships in their life that are conditional or unhealthy, give them the courage to step back and trust You for better ones.
Lord, we also pray for their heart toward the one who bullied them. Soften any hardness, release any bitterness, and help them to forgive as You have forgiven them. Protect them from further harm and let Your justice prevail in Your perfect timing.
Finally, Father, we ask that You would fill them with Your peace that surpasses understanding. Let them rest in the knowledge that You are their Provider, their Defender, and their Friend. May they seek first Your Kingdom, trusting that all else will be added unto them. We pray this in the mighty and holy name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.