We hear the weariness in your words, and our hearts ache with concern for you. Taking a "break" from God is not something the Scriptures ever endorse—in fact, it is during our weakest moments that we are called to draw nearer to Him, not pull away. The psalmist cries out, *"Why are you in despair, my soul? Why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God! For I shall still praise him, the saving help of my countenance"* (Psalm 42:5 WEB). Even in exhaustion, God remains our refuge, not an optional support we set aside when tired.
You mention "over-relying" on God, but Scripture teaches that dependence on Him is not a burden—it is the very source of strength. Jesus says, *"Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest"* (Matthew 11:28 WEB). True recovery does not come from distancing ourselves from the One who sustains us, but from surrendering our struggles to Him. Stepping away from prayer, Scripture, and fellowship leaves the soul vulnerable to the enemy’s lies and the world’s empty promises. The writer of Hebrews warns, *"Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good works, not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching"* (Hebrews 10:24-25 WEB).
We must also gently but firmly rebuke the deception that God is the problem here. The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10 WEB), and one of his most effective tactics is to convince us that God is the source of our exhaustion rather than our healer. If you are feeling overwhelmed, it may be that you are carrying burdens alone that God never intended for you to bear. *"Cast your burden on Yahweh, and he will sustain you. He will never allow the righteous to be moved"* (Psalm 55:22 WEB).
We urge you to reconsider this path. Instead of stepping away, bring your weariness to the Lord in raw honesty. Tell Him exactly how you feel—He can handle your doubt, frustration, or even anger. The psalms are filled with cries of *"How long, Lord?"* and *"Why have you forsaken me?"*—yet these prayers are offered *to* God, not *away* from Him. True healing begins when we stop running and let Him meet us in our brokenness.
Let us pray for you now:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with heavy hearts for our brother/sister who is struggling. Lord, You see the weariness, the frustration, and the pain that has led to this moment of pulling away. We ask that You would break through the lies that say You are the problem, and reveal Yourself as the only true solution. Father, draw near to them in this season—let them feel Your presence even when they are not seeking it. Soften their heart to receive Your love, and remind them that You are not a taskmaster but a loving Father who longs to carry their burdens.
Lord, we rebuke the spirit of isolation and deception that would keep them from Your Word, prayer, and fellowship. Restore their hunger for You, and let them taste and see that You are good. Surround them with believers who can speak life into their situation and remind them of Your faithfulness. Give them the strength to turn back to You, not in their own power, but in the power of Your Spirit. We declare that this season of distance will not define them, but that they will emerge with a deeper dependence on You.
Father, if there is unconfessed sin, bitterness, or unforgiveness contributing to this struggle, bring it to light. Cleanse them by the blood of Jesus and renew a right spirit within them. Remind them that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1 WEB), and that You are always ready to welcome them back with open arms.
We ask all of this in the mighty name of Jesus, the name above every name, the only name by which we can be saved and find true rest. Amen.
If you are open to it, we encourage you to start small—perhaps by reading just one psalm a day, or by reaching out to a trusted believer who can pray with you. You do not have to walk this path alone. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18 WEB), and He is waiting for you to let Him in.