We hear the deep cry of your heart, and we are moved with compassion for your struggle. You have called upon the name of Jesus Christ, and that is where true hope and transformation begin. The fact that you recognize your need for change and are reaching out to God is a sign that His Spirit is already at work in you. Let us first remind you of this powerful truth: *"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). You have taken the first step by confessing your struggles, and we declare over you that God is faithful to forgive and cleanse you as you turn to Him with a repentant heart.
The desire to escape through drinking, substance use, or isolation is a tactic of the enemy to keep you bound in fear and shame. But Scripture tells us, *"For God didn’t give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control."* (2 Timothy 1:7, WEB). What you are experiencing is not from God—it is a lie meant to steal your peace, your purpose, and your relationships. The fear of losing your mind, your job, or your family is real, but God’s Word assures us that *"perfect love casts out fear"* (1 John 4:18, WEB). His love is greater than your struggles, and His power is made perfect in your weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).
You mentioned wanting to have better conversations with your bosses and your wife. This is a godly desire, and we encourage you to lean into the wisdom of Scripture for this. *"Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one."* (Colossians 4:6, WEB). *"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."* (Proverbs 15:1, WEB). Ask God to fill you with His Spirit so that your words may be life-giving, not just at work but especially in your marriage. Your wife is your helper and companion, given to you by God, and your relationship with her should reflect Christ’s love for the Church (Ephesians 5:25-33). If there has been strain or broken trust, we urge you to humbly seek her forgiveness and commit to walking in integrity. Marriage is a covenant, and it thrives when both spouses are submitted to Christ.
Now, let us address the strongholds in your life with truth and prayer. The use of beer and marijuana may feel like a temporary relief, but they are tools of destruction that cloud your mind and dull your spirit. *"Don’t you know that you are a temple of God, and that God’s Spirit lives in you? If anyone destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is holy, which you are."* (1 Corinthians 3:16-17, WEB). Your body is not your own—it belongs to God, and He calls you to honor Him with it. *"Let’s walk properly, as in the day; not in reveling and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and lustful acts, and not in strife and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, for its lusts."* (Romans 13:13-14, WEB). This is a call to action: remove these substances from your life, and replace them with the Word of God, prayer, and fellowship with believers who can hold you accountable.
You also mentioned the fear of losing your mind. We rebuked that fear in the name of Jesus Christ. *"For God hasn’t given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control."* (2 Timothy 1:7, WEB). If you are experiencing anxiety, depression, or mental distress, we encourage you to seek godly counsel—whether through a pastor, a biblical counselor, or a trusted brother in Christ. There is no shame in asking for help. *"Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."* (Galatians 6:2, WEB). But be cautious: not all counsel aligns with Scripture. Test everything against the Word of God, and seek wisdom from those who are grounded in truth.
Finally, we want to remind you that your identity is not in your struggles, your job, or even your role as a husband. Your identity is in Christ. *"Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old things have passed away. Behold, all things have become new."* (2 Corinthians 5:17, WEB). You are not defined by your past mistakes or current weaknesses. You are defined by the blood of Jesus, which has cleansed you and set you free. Walk in that freedom, brother.
Now, let us pray for you:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, lifting up our brother who has humbly cried out to You for help. Lord, we thank You that You hear his prayers and that You are already at work in his heart. We ask for Your forgiveness to wash over him, cleansing him from every sin and shame. Break the chains of addiction and escapism in his life, Lord. Where there has been bondage to alcohol and marijuana, we declare freedom in Jesus’ name. Fill him with Your Holy Spirit, that he may walk in self-control, wisdom, and discernment.
Father, we rebuked the spirit of fear that has gripped his heart. Replace it with Your perfect love, which casts out all fear. Guard his mind, Lord, and renew it with Your truth. Let him meditate on Your Word day and night, that he may prosper in all he does (Joshua 1:8). Give him the courage to have honest, grace-filled conversations with his bosses and his wife. Soften his heart and theirs, Lord, that there may be reconciliation, understanding, and unity.
We pray for his marriage, Father. Strengthen the bond between him and his wife, and let their home be a place of peace, love, and godly fellowship. Help him to lead his family in Your ways, that they may all grow closer to You. Protect his job, Lord, and give him favor in the eyes of his employers. Let his work be a testimony of Your goodness and faithfulness.
Lord, we ask that You surround him with brothers in Christ who will encourage him, hold him accountable, and walk with him in this season. Remove any ungodly influences from his life, and fill the void with Your presence. Let him hunger and thirst for righteousness, that he may be filled (Matthew 5:6).
We declare that he is more than a conqueror through Christ who loves him (Romans 8:37). No weapon formed against him shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17). You, Lord, are his strength, his shield, and his ever-present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1). We trust You to restore him, renew him, and use his testimony for Your glory.
In the powerful name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.
Brother, we urge you to take practical steps today:
1. **Repent and turn away** from the substances you’ve been using. Destroy what is in your possession, and ask God to break their hold on you.
2. **Immerse yourself in Scripture**. Start with Psalm 23, Psalm 34, and Ephesians 6 (the armor of God). Let God’s Word be your guide and comfort.
3. **Seek accountability**. Find a mature believer—perhaps in your church—to walk with you, pray with you, and check in on you regularly.
4. **Pray with your wife**. If she is a believer, invite her into this journey of renewal. Let your marriage be a refuge, not another source of stress.
5. **Replace old habits with new ones**. Instead of retreating to your bed, spend time in prayer, worship, or serving others. The enemy loves idleness; God calls us to fruitfulness.
You are not alone in this fight. We are standing with you in prayer, and more importantly, Jesus is standing with you. *"The Lord your God is among you, a mighty one who will save. He will rejoice over you with joy. He will calm you in his love. He will rejoice over you with singing."* (Zephaniah 3:17, WEB). Hold onto that promise, and walk forward in victory. We are here if you need further prayer or encouragement. Stay steadfast, brother. The best is yet to come.
. Please help me have good talks with my bosses at work and with my wife at home! Please help me God
