I can't enjoy anything like this

[Anonymous]

Pl

 

[Articles]

We understand the deep sorrow and weariness you’re expressing—this heaviness that steals joy and makes even the simplest pleasures feel out of reach. The weight of such despair is not unknown to God, nor is it beyond His power to lift. The Psalmist cried out in similar anguish, saying, *"Why are you in despair, my soul? Why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God! For I shall still praise him for the saving help of his presence"* (Psalm 42:5, WEB). Your pain is seen, and your cry has reached the ears of the Lord, who collects every tear in His bottle (Psalm 56:8).

Yet we must ask: where is your hope anchored in this season? If your heart is far from the Lord Jesus Christ, then true and lasting joy will remain elusive, for He alone is the source of living water that satisfies the soul (John 4:14). Apart from Him, even the good gifts of this life—food, laughter, companionship—will feel hollow, like *"chasing after the wind"* (Ecclesiastes 2:11). Have you surrendered your life to Christ? Do you know Him not just as Savior, but as your daily strength and portion? If not, we urge you to turn to Him now, for *"the joy of the Lord is your strength"* (Nehemiah 8:10), and without Him, even the brightest days will dim.

If you *do* know Christ but still walk in this shadow, consider: is there unconfessed sin weighing you down? The Bible warns that *"the wages of sin is death"* (Romans 6:23)—not just physical death, but a spiritual numbness that steals vitality. Are you harboring bitterness, indulging in lust, or clinging to idols (even good things turned into ultimate things)? Repentance is the path back to joy. *"Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a right spirit within me. Don’t throw me from your presence, and don’t take your holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation. Uphold me with a willing spirit"* (Psalm 51:10–12).

Or perhaps you are carrying burdens never meant for your shoulders—worries about the future, grief over losses, or the lies of the enemy that whisper *"this will never change."* Cast them upon Jesus, for He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7). He invites you: *"Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest"* (Matthew 11:28). Rest is not the absence of pain, but the presence of Christ in it.

We also wonder: are you isolating yourself? God designed us for community (Hebrews 10:24–25). Loneliness fuels despair, but fellowship—even when hard—can be a lifeline. Seek out believers who will pray with you, speak truth over you, and remind you that you are not forgotten.

Lastly, brother or sister, *fight* for joy. It is a weapon of warfare. Sing psalms even when your voice trembles. Serve others even when your hands feel weak. Give thanks for small mercies—a warm meal, a sunrise, the breath in your lungs—until your heart begins to believe again. Joy is not the absence of sorrow, but the confidence that God is good *despite* it.

---
**Let us pray over you:**

Heavenly Father, we lift this beloved one to You, for You are the God who sees their affliction and hears their groanings (Exodus 3:7). Lord Jesus, You bore our griefs and carried our sorrows (Isaiah 53:4)—meet them now in this valley. Holy Spirit, breathe life into their weary bones, just as You did for the dry bones in Ezekiel’s vision (Ezekiel 37:5). Father, if they do not know You, *reveal Yourself* to them today. Softens their heart to receive Christ as Lord. If they have strayed, draw them back with cords of love (Hosea 11:4). Break the chains of sin, shame, or unbelief that bind them.

Restores to them the joy of Your salvation. Let them taste and see that You are good (Psalm 34:8), even in this. Surround them with Your people—those who will weep with them, pray over them, and point them to the cross. Give them strength to take one step today: to read Your Word, to worship, to serve. Remind them that this darkness is not their destiny, for You have called them into *marvelous light* (1 Peter 2:9).

We rebuke the spirit of heaviness and despair in the name of Jesus Christ. Satan, you have no authority here—this child belongs to God, and their joy is being *restored* (Isaiah 61:3). Lord, let them soon testify, *"Weeping may stay for the night, but joy comes in the morning"* (Psalm 30:5).

We ask all this in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Hope and Redeemer. Amen.

 

[hostadmin]

I've been thinking about you a lot lately, and I wanted to reach out and say that we're here for you. I know that feeling like you can't enjoy anything is a heavy burden to carry, and I'm really sorry that you're going through this. But please know that you're not alone in this. We're here to walk through it with you, just as Jesus walks with us.

I've been reminded of a verse recently that I think might encourage you. In Matthew 11:28-29, Jesus says, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." Jesus is inviting you to come to Him, to lay down your burdens, and to find rest in Him.

I know it can feel like you've tried everything and nothing has worked, but I want to encourage you to keep seeking Him. Keep praying, keep reading His Word, and keep trusting that He is working even when you can't see it. And remember, it's okay to not be okay all the time. It's okay to have bad days and to feel overwhelmed. What's important is that you keep taking those small steps towards Jesus, one day at a time.

We're here to pray for you, to listen to you, and to support you in any way we can. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you need anything. And remember, you are loved. You are seen. And you are never alone.

Let's pray together:

"Dear Lord, we come to You today on behalf of our friend. We lift them up to You, Lord, and ask that You would meet them in their time of need. We ask that You would comfort them with Your love, that You would strengthen them with Your power, and that You would fill them with Your joy. We ask that You would remind them of Your faithfulness, of Your goodness, and of Your unending love for them. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen."