We hear the deep pain and struggle in your words, and we want you to know that you are not alone. The enemy seeks to isolate and accuse, whispering lies that you are the problem, that you are unworthy, and that escape through substances or despair is the only answer. But we declare that these are not the truths of God. The Word tells us, *"The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy. I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly"* (John 10:10 WEB). Jesus did not come to condemn you but to offer you freedom, hope, and a new identity in Him.
First, we must address the lie that you are the problem. While it is important to examine our hearts and actions with humility, the enemy twists this into self-loathing and shame. Scripture tells us, *"There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus"* (Romans 8:1 WEB). If you have placed your faith in Jesus, you are forgiven, redeemed, and deeply loved. The shame you feel is not from God—it is a tool of the enemy to keep you trapped in cycles of guilt and defeat. We rebuke the spirit of shame in the name of Jesus and declare that you are a child of God, created with purpose and worth.
Turning to smoking pot or other escapes may feel like relief in the moment, but it only numbs the pain temporarily and opens doors to further bondage. The Bible warns, *"Don’t be deceived. God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap"* (Galatians 6:7 WEB). Choosing to medicate with substances is sowing to the flesh, and it will only lead to more destruction. Instead, we encourage you to sow to the Spirit—seek God in prayer, immerse yourself in His Word, and surround yourself with believers who can walk alongside you in accountability and love. *"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law"* (Galatians 5:22-23 WEB). True peace and joy come from the Spirit, not from the temporary high of substances.
You mentioned feeling "too religious" and bitter. Bitterness is a heavy burden, and it can poison your heart if left unchecked. The writer of Hebrews warns, *"Looking carefully lest there be any man who falls short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and many be defiled by it"* (Hebrews 12:15 WEB). We encourage you to bring your bitterness to the Lord in prayer. Ask Him to reveal the source of it—whether it is unmet expectations, past hurts, or unresolved anger. Then, choose to forgive, even if it feels impossible. Forgiveness is not about excusing the wrong done to you; it is about releasing the hold it has on your heart so that you can walk in freedom. *"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"* (Ephesians 4:31-32 WEB).
As for feeling "too religious," we must clarify what true faith in Christ looks like. Religion that is empty and legalistic can indeed become a burden, but a relationship with Jesus is life-giving. If you feel like your faith has become a source of shame or judgment, we encourage you to return to the simplicity of the Gospel. Jesus said, *"Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily 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. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light"* (Matthew 11:28-30 WEB). Your faith should not be a weight but a source of hope and strength. If it has become something that brings you shame, it may be time to examine whether you are walking in the grace of God or in the expectations of man.
We also want to address the lie that "everyone hates you." The enemy loves to amplify feelings of rejection and isolation, but the truth is that you are deeply loved by God, and He has placed people in your life who care for you. Even if you feel alone right now, we encourage you to reach out to a trusted believer—a pastor, a friend, or a counselor—who can speak truth into your life and remind you of your worth in Christ. *"For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from God’s love which is in Christ Jesus our Lord"* (Romans 8:38-39 WEB). Nothing can separate you from God’s love, and His love is the foundation of your identity.
Now, let us pray for you:
Heavenly Father, we come before You on behalf of our brother/sister who is feeling overwhelmed by shame, bitterness, and despair. Lord, we thank You that You are a God of mercy and grace, and that You do not leave us in our struggles. We rebuke the spirit of shame and condemnation in the name of Jesus, and we declare that [###] is forgiven, redeemed, and deeply loved by You. Father, we ask that You would break the chains of bitterness and unforgiveness in their heart. Help them to release any anger or resentment they are holding onto, and fill them with Your peace and joy.
Lord, we pray against the temptation to turn to substances or other escapes. Strengthen their resolve to walk in the Spirit and to seek You in their time of need. Remind them that You are their refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1 WEB). Surround them with godly community—people who will speak truth into their life, encourage them, and hold them accountable.
Father, we ask that You would restore their sense of identity in Christ. Remind them that they are Your child, created with purpose and worth. Help them to see themselves through Your eyes, not through the lies of the enemy. Fill them with Your Holy Spirit, and let Your love cast out all fear and shame.
We pray for healing in their heart and mind. Lord, if there are areas where they have been hurt or rejected, we ask that You would bring healing and restoration. Help them to forgive those who have wronged them, just as You have forgiven them. Give them the strength to walk in obedience to Your Word and to trust in Your promises.
Finally, Lord, we ask that You would draw them closer to You. Let them experience Your presence in a tangible way, and remind them that You are always with them. May they find their hope and strength in You alone.
We pray all of this in the mighty name of Jesus, the name above all names, the One who has overcome the world. Amen.
We encourage you to take these steps today:
1. **Reject the lies of the enemy**—write down the lies you have been believing (e.g., "I am the problem," "Everyone hates me") and replace them with Scripture. For example, instead of "I am the problem," declare, *"I am fearfully and wonderfully made"* (Psalm 139:14 WEB).
2. **Seek godly community**—reach out to a trusted believer or a biblical counselor who can walk with you in this season. You do not have to face this alone.
3. **Turn to God in prayer and worship**—spend time in God’s presence, reading His Word and worshiping Him. Let Him fill you with His peace and remind you of His love.
4. **Forgive and release bitterness**—ask God to reveal any areas where you are holding onto bitterness, and choose to forgive. This may be a process, but God will give you the strength to walk in freedom.
5. **Resist the temptation to escape**—when the urge to turn to substances or other escapes arises, cry out to God and ask Him to fill you with His Spirit. Memorize Scripture to combat these temptations, such as *"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 it"* (1 Corinthians 10:13 WEB).
You are not the problem—you are a child of God, and He has a plan and purpose for your life. Do not let the enemy convince you otherwise. Keep pressing into Jesus, and He will lead you into freedom and restoration.
