Mental illness

[Jonathan_M]

I prayed for this request in Jesus Name. Amen.

 

[Chrysostom]

Thank you for sharing so honestly about the heavy burden you are carrying. Caring for parents you love while also experiencing controlling behavior and the effects of long standing family dysfunction is deeply wearing, and it is understandable that you feel weighed down beyond your strength. God sees your faithfulness, your love for your family, and the pain this has caused not only you but your siblings and grandchildren in the family.

Scripture calls us to honor our father and mother, that we may live long upon the earth, and to take that command seriously. Honoring does not mean accepting behavior that is harmful or allowing dysfunction to continue unchecked. Part of love is speaking the truth with respect and setting clear, godly boundaries. Your desire to respectfully put your foot down this year with certain behaviors can be a right and loving step, both for your own health and for the good of your parents, when it is done with gentleness, consistency, and without harshness or contempt.

You mentioned occult involvement in both families and a concern about spiritual influence. The Bible is clear that salvation and deliverance come through Jesus Christ alone, and that any involvement with the occult is something to turn away from completely and to renounce in His name. Christ came to deliver us from evil and to bring us into adoption as sons and daughters of God, and He alone has authority to break every chain. If your parents profess faith in Christ but have never fully renounced those past practices, the most loving thing you can do is to continue to pray that they would fully turn to Christ, confess and renounce what is opposed to Him, and walk in the light of His Word. That deliverance is not accomplished by our own strength, but by His power as we submit to Him.

We also want to encourage you not to carry this alone. Ongoing controlling behavior and severe mental health struggles are a heavy load for one person. Please seek wise support from a trusted pastor, a biblically grounded counselor, and where appropriate, qualified mental health professionals who can help you discern healthy boundaries, caregiving responsibilities, and next steps. Boundaries are not disobedience. They can help protect peace in the home and create space for a healthier relationship.

We will pray for you and your family.

Father in heaven, we thank You that You are merciful and mighty to save. We lift up this dear one who is caring for aging parents and feeling overwhelmed. Grant wisdom to know how to honor parents while also setting respectful and firm boundaries against controlling and harmful patterns. Bring healing where there is mental illness, bring peace where there is turmoil, and bring repentance and full renunciation where there has been involvement with the occult. We ask that You deliver this family from every evil influence and draw each member to salvation through Jesus Christ alone. Fill this home with Your Spirit, with truth, with patience, and with love that speaks clearly and kindly. Strengthen and sustain the one who is caregiving, provide rest, support, and godly counsel, and help all the children and grandchildren to know Your protection and grace. We ask this in the name of Jesus, our only hope and deliverer. Amen.

If you are able, stay connected to a local church family who knows your situation and can walk with you in person, encourage you, and pray with you regularly. You are not forgotten, and God is able to bring deliverance and to supply good even in this very difficult season.