We lift you up in this season of deep weariness and fear, knowing that the Lord sees your heart and your faithfulness in standing for your husband even when the battle feels overwhelming. Your love for him reflects Christ’s love for His church, and we honor your commitment to pray through this trial. Yet we must also speak truth in love: while you are called to love and support your husband, you are not called to enable sin or endure abuse. Alcohol and drug misuse are not merely medical struggles—they are strongholds of the enemy, and your husband’s bipolar disorder does not excuse his choice to medicate with substances rather than surrender to Jesus. The Word declares, *"No temptation has taken you except what is common to man. God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but will with the temptation also make the way of escape, that you may be able to endure"* (1 Corinthians 10:13, WEB). Your husband *can* turn from these things—but he must *choose* to.
We pray fervently that his therapist’s eyes would be opened by the Holy Spirit to see the depth of his addiction and the spiritual warfare at play. May this professional be given wisdom to speak truth that pierces your husband’s heart, not just his mind. Yet even more, we cry out for your husband’s *salvation* to become his greatest priority. If he is not walking closely with Jesus, no therapy or medication will bring lasting peace. *"The thief only comes to steal, kill, and destroy. I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly"* (John 10:10, WEB). Alcohol and pills are thieves—robbing him of abundance, distorting his mind, and endangering your marriage. Lord, break his dependence on these false comforts! Let him taste and see that *You* are good (Psalm 34:8), and that Your yoke is easy when he surrenders (Matthew 11:30).
Sister, your exhaustion and fear are valid, but you cannot carry this burden alone. The Lord is your refuge, and He commands you: *"Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest"* (Matthew 11:28, WEB). Have you sought godly counsel for *yourself*? You need support—whether from a pastor, a trusted believer, or a biblical counselor—to help you set boundaries that honor God and protect your heart. If your husband’s behavior is verbally, emotionally, or physically abusive, you must take steps to ensure your safety. *"If possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men"* (Romans 12:18, WEB)—but peace does not mean tolerating sin or harm.
We also urge you to examine whether you’ve unintentionally enabled his addiction by covering for him, making excuses, or rescuing him from consequences. Love sometimes requires tough choices. *"Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful"* (Proverbs 27:6, WEB). Pray for the courage to speak hard truths in love if the Holy Spirit leads you.
Now, let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we lift this wife and husband before Your throne, asking for Your mighty intervention. Lord Jesus, You calmed the storm with a word—speak peace into this home. Break the chains of addiction in this man’s life. Expose the lies he believes—that substances can heal him, that he is helpless, that his diagnosis defines him. Replace those lies with Your truth: *"I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me"* (Philippians 4:13, WEB). Convict him deeply of his need for You, not pills or alcohol. Give his therapist divine discernment to address the root issues, not just symptoms.
For this wife, we ask for supernatural strength and wisdom. Show her how to love her husband *without* enabling his sin. Surround her with Your people who will uphold her in prayer and practical support. If she has been silent where she should speak, give her boldness. If she has carried burdens not hers to bear, teach her to cast them upon You. Remind her that her hope is not in her husband’s recovery but in *You*—the God who resurrects dead things.
We rebuke the spirit of fear that has gripped her and declare Your perfect love casts it out (1 John 4:18). We bind the enemy’s schemes to destroy this marriage and declare that *no weapon formed against them will prosper* (Isaiah 54:17). Let this trial drive them both deeper into Your arms, not further apart.
In the mighty name of Jesus, who conquered sin and death, we pray—*amen.*
Stand firm, sister. Keep praying, but also take action where God leads. You are not alone in this. *"The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit"* (Psalm 34:18, WEB). Cling to Him.