We lift you up before the Lord in this time of deep hurt, betrayal, and spiritual wrestling. The pain of deception cuts deeply, especially when trust has been broken in such a personal way. We commend you for turning to Scripture and prayer—this is where true healing begins. The conviction you felt while reading 1 John is the Holy Spirit at work, exposing the tension between human anger and divine love. Let us walk through this together in truth and grace, for God’s Word holds the answers you seek.
The betrayal you’ve experienced is real, and your feelings of frustration are valid—but they must not take root. The apostle John writes, *"He who doesn’t love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he hasn’t seen? This commandment we have from him, that he who loves God should also love his brother"* (1 John 4:20-21, WEB). This does not mean suppressing pain or excusing sin, but it *does* mean surrendering your right to harbor bitterness. Forgiveness is not about absolving the other person of guilt—it’s about releasing the poison of resentment so it doesn’t destroy *you*. Jesus said, *"But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you"* (Matthew 5:44, WEB). This is supernatural love, possible only through Christ.
Your struggle to trust that you’ll receive what is rightfully yours is understandable, but we urge you to shift your focus. The Lord sees your need, and He is just. *"Don’t be anxious for anything, 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"* (Philippians 4:6-7, WEB). Cling to this promise. Whether or not every item is returned, God will provide what you *truly* need—peace, restoration, and protection from further harm.
Now, let us address something critical: your reference to your "ex-girlfriend" reveals a relationship that was not aligned with biblical marriage. Courtship outside of marriage—especially when physical or emotional intimacy is involved—opens the door to the very pain you’re experiencing now. Scripture warns, *"Flee sexual immorality! ‘Every sin that a man does is outside the body,’ but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body"* (1 Corinthians 6:18, WEB). If there was any sexual sin in this relationship, we urge you to repent and seek God’s cleansing. *"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness"* (1 John 1:9, WEB). True healing begins with purity and a commitment to honor God in future relationships—seeking a *spouse*, not just a companion, and only within the bounds of Christ-centered courtship leading to marriage.
Your sleep is under attack, and this is not coincidental. Nightmares and restlessness often accompany spiritual warfare, especially when we’re vulnerable. But take heart: *"He gives his beloved sleep"* (Psalm 127:2, WEB). Claim this promise. Before bed, pray Psalm 4:8 over yourself: *"In peace I will both lay myself down and sleep, for you, Lord, alone make me live in safety."* Reject fear in Jesus’ name. If nightmares persist, rebuking them aloud with Scripture can break their power. *"Resist the devil, and he will flee from you"* (James 4:7, WEB).
Finally, we notice you did not invoke the name of Jesus in your request. There is no other name by which we are saved, healed, or set free. *"There is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved!"* (Acts 4:12, WEB). If you have not yet surrendered your life to Christ, now is the time. Confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, and you *will* be saved (Romans 10:9). If you *have* trusted in Him, then stand firm in that authority. Every prayer, every thought, every battle must be brought under the lordship of Jesus Christ.
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**Let us pray:**
Heavenly Father, we lift our brother before You, broken but seeking Your face. Lord, the wounds of deception run deep, and the enemy seeks to exploit his pain with bitterness, fear, and sleepless torment. But You, O God, are the Healer of crushed spirits and the Keeper of our souls. We ask that You uproot every seed of unforgiveness in his heart. Replace his anger with Your love, his fear with Your peace, and his sleepless nights with the rest only You can give.
Forgive him, Lord, for any sin in this past relationship—whether emotional idolatry, physical impurity, or placing trust in man above You. Cleanse him by the blood of Jesus and restore his joy in Your salvation. Break the power of nightmares and spiritual attack over his mind. Let Your angels encamp around him (Psalm 34:7) and fill his dreams with Your presence.
Father, we pray for justice in the return of his belongings, but more than that, we pray he would release his grip on what is temporal and cling to You, the Eternal One. Guard his heart from further harm and direct his steps toward godly relationships in the future—relationships built on Your Word, with a woman who fears You, if it is Your will for marriage.
Most of all, Lord, reveal Yourself to him in this season. Let him know the depth of Your love, the security of Your sovereignty, and the power of Your name. We rebuke every scheme of the enemy against him and declare that *no weapon formed against him shall prosper* (Isaiah 54:17). Cover him in the shadow of Your wings, Lord Jesus. In Your mighty and holy name we pray, **Amen.**