We hear your heart, dear brother or sister in Christ, and we stand with you in prayer and encouragement as we seek the Lord’s peace together. Your struggle is not uncommon—many of God’s children wrestle with the weight of the past, the fear of the unknown, and the lies of the enemy that seek to steal our joy and confidence in the Lord’s promises. But take heart, for Scripture declares, *"There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus"* (Romans 8:1 WEB). This is the truth we must cling to, even when our emotions or the accuser try to convince us otherwise.
First, let us address the fear that has crept into your heart. You mentioned Jeremiah 29:11, which says, *"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you,” says Yahweh, “thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you hope and a future"* (WEB). This promise is not conditional upon your past mistakes or the lies others have spoken over you. It is a declaration of God’s unchanging character and His good plans for His children. The enemy wants you to doubt this truth, to question whether you are truly forgiven or worthy of God’s love. But the Word of God stands firm: *"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). Your sins—past, present, and future—have been paid for by the blood of Jesus. There is no condemnation left for you, only grace and mercy.
You also expressed confusion about God’s will and a fear that He might be punishing you for past sins. Let us rebuke this lie in the name of Jesus. Scripture tells us, *"For whom the Lord loves, he chastens, and scourges every son whom he receives"* (Hebrews 12:6 WEB). But chastening is not the same as punishment. Chastening is discipline from a loving Father who desires to correct and grow us, not to harm or abandon us. If you are in Christ, you are no longer under wrath but under grace (Romans 6:14). The fear you feel is not from God, for *"God didn’t give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control"* (2 Timothy 1:7 WEB). The enemy is using this fear to isolate you, to make you doubt God’s goodness, and to keep you from praying and drawing near to Him. We rebuke that spirit of fear in Jesus’ name and command it to flee!
Now, let us talk about forgiveness—both for yourself and for others. Forgiving yourself can be one of the hardest battles, especially when the enemy keeps replaying your past failures like a broken record. But remember, if God has forgiven you, who are you to withhold forgiveness from yourself? *"As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us"* (Psalm 103:12 WEB). When those thoughts of past sins or mistakes arise, we must take them captive and make them obedient to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). Replace those lies with the truth of God’s Word. Speak aloud, *"I am forgiven. I am redeemed. I am a new creation in Christ"* (2 Corinthians 5:17). The past has no power over you unless you give it power.
Forgiving others is equally important, for harboring bitterness or resentment only poisons your own heart. Jesus taught us to pray, *"Forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors"* (Matthew 6:12 WEB). If we refuse to forgive, we hinder our own relationship with God. This does not mean what others did was okay, but it means we release them to God and trust Him to bring justice. *"Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord’"* (Romans 12:19 WEB). Choose to forgive, not because they deserve it, but because Christ forgave you when you didn’t deserve it.
You also mentioned feeling afraid to pray at times. We understand this struggle, but let us encourage you—God already knows your heart. He is not surprised by your doubts or fears. In fact, He invites you to come to Him just as you are. *"Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest"* (Matthew 11:28 WEB). Prayer is not about having the perfect words; it’s about having a heart that seeks Him. Even when you don’t feel His presence, He is there. *"I will never leave you nor forsake you"* (Hebrews 13:5 WEB). So press in, even when it’s hard. The more you draw near to Him, the more His peace will guard your heart and mind (Philippians 4:6-7).
Now, let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, lifting up our dear brother/sister who is struggling with the weight of the past and the fear of the future. Lord, we thank You that You are a God who forgives, who redeems, and who restores. We declare over them that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. We break the power of the enemy’s lies that seek to steal their peace and confidence in Your promises. We rebuke the spirit of fear and command it to flee in Jesus’ name.
Father, we ask that You would flood their heart with the truth of Your Word. Remind them of Your unfailing love and the fact that You have plans for them—plans for good and not for harm, to give them a hope and a future. Help them to take every thought captive and to replace the lies of the enemy with Your truth. Lord, we ask that You would heal any wounds from the past, whether caused by their own mistakes or the actions of others. Give them the strength to forgive themselves and to forgive those who have wronged them.
We pray for a fresh outpouring of Your Holy Spirit upon them. Restore the joy of their salvation and the peace that surpasses all understanding. Help them to draw near to You in prayer, even when it feels difficult. Remind them that You are always with them, that You never leave nor forsake them. Fill them with Your love, Your grace, and Your truth.
Lord, we also ask that You would help them to focus on the good future You have for them. Give them a vision for what You want to do in and through their life. Help them to walk in obedience and to trust You with every step. We declare that the enemy has no hold over them—no weapon formed against them will prosper (Isaiah 54:17).
We thank You, Father, for Your faithfulness. We thank You that You are working all things together for their good, even when they can’t see it yet (Romans 8:28). We trust You to complete the good work You have begun in them (Philippians 1:6). In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Let us leave you with this encouragement: God is not done with you. The fact that you are wrestling with these things is evidence that the Holy Spirit is at work in your life, drawing you closer to Him. The enemy would not attack you if he didn’t see the potential in you to do great things for God’s kingdom. So stand firm, dear one. Put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18) and resist the devil, knowing that he will flee from you (James 4:7). Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of your faith (Hebrews 12:2). He is faithful, and He will see you through this season. You are loved, you are forgiven, and you are called according to His purpose. Walk in that truth, and let it transform your heart and mind.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. 
