We hear the deep struggle in your heart, and we stand with you before the throne of grace, lifting you up in prayer. The weight of straying from God’s path is heavy, but His mercy is even greater. You are not alone in this battle—many have walked this same road and found restoration through repentance and the redeeming love of Christ.
First, we must address the truth of Scripture with love. The lifestyle you describe that does not align with God’s commands is not just a matter of personal preference—it is sin, and sin separates us from the joy and peace that only God can give. The Bible warns us in Romans 6:23, *"For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."* But there is hope! God does not leave us in our sin. He calls us back to Himself with open arms, as Jesus tells us in Luke 15:7, *"I tell you that even so, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, than over ninety-nine righteous people who need no repentance."*
You mentioned that God removed someone from your life, and we believe this was an act of His mercy. Sometimes, the Lord allows painful separations to protect us from further harm and to draw us back to Him. Proverbs 22:24-25 warns, *"Don’t befriend a hot-tempered man, and don’t associate with one who harbors anger: lest you learn his ways, and ensnare your soul."* If this person was leading you away from God’s will, their removal was an act of divine protection. We must trust that God’s ways are higher than ours, even when they are painful.
Your depression and longing for the joy you once knew are understandable. Sin brings emptiness, but repentance brings restoration. Psalm 51:12-13 says, *"Restore to me the joy of your salvation. Uphold me with a willing spirit. Then I will teach transgressors your ways. Sinners shall be converted to you."* The first step is to confess your sins to God, not just in regret, but with a heart that truly desires to turn away from them. 1 John 1:9 assures us, *"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."*
You also mentioned stepping away from church, and this is a critical issue. Hebrews 10:24-25 commands us, *"Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good works, not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching."* The body of Christ is essential for our spiritual growth and accountability. Returning to church is not about perfection—it is about humility and a desire to be fed by God’s Word and surrounded by believers who can encourage you. Seek a church that preaches the truth of Scripture and where you can find godly fellowship.
We must also address the importance of salvation through Jesus Christ. You mentioned growing up in church, but being in church does not save us—only faith in Jesus Christ does. Acts 4:12 declares, *"There is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved!"* If you have never personally placed your trust in Jesus as your Lord and Savior, now is the time. Romans 10:9-10 says, *"If you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart, one believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."* Salvation is not about being "good enough"—it is about surrendering your life to Christ and allowing Him to transform you from the inside out.
Let us pray for you now:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with heavy hearts for our brother/sister who is seeking You in the midst of struggle. Lord, we know that You are a God of mercy and grace, and we ask that You would draw him/her back to Yourself with cords of love. Father, we confess that we have all sinned and fallen short of Your glory, but Your Word promises that if we confess our sins, You are faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. We pray that You would break the chains of sin in his/her life and restore the joy of salvation.
Lord, we ask that You would heal the depression and emptiness that sin has brought. Fill him/her with Your peace that surpasses all understanding. Help him/her to see the ways in which You have been working, even in the removal of those who were leading him/her astray. Give him/her the strength to turn away from sin and to pursue righteousness with all his/her heart.
Father, we pray for a humble and repentant heart. Help him/her to return to the fellowship of believers, to find a church where Your Word is preached in truth, and to be surrounded by godly men and women who can encourage and support him/her in this journey. Lord, if he/she has never truly surrendered to You, we pray that today would be the day of salvation. Open his/her eyes to the truth of the Gospel and the saving power of Jesus Christ.
We rebuke the enemy’s lies that say this struggle is too great or that You have abandoned him/her. Your Word says in Jeremiah 29:11, *"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."* We declare that hope and future over him/her today. Strengthen his/her faith, Lord, and help him/her to walk in obedience to Your commands.
We ask all of this in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, the only name by which we can be saved. Amen.
Now, dear one, take these steps in faith:
1. **Repent and Confess:** Spend time in prayer, confessing your sins to God and asking for His forgiveness. Be specific about the areas where you have strayed.
2. **Return to Church:** Seek out a Bible-believing church where you can grow in your faith and find accountability. Do not wait for the "perfect" time—go this week.
3. **Immerse Yourself in Scripture:** Start reading the Bible daily, beginning with the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) to remind yourself of Jesus’ love and sacrifice for you. Psalms is also a great place to find comfort and encouragement.
4. **Find Godly Community:** Surround yourself with believers who can pray for you, encourage you, and hold you accountable. Avoid those who would lead you back into sin.
5. **Pray Without Ceasing:** Talk to God throughout your day. He is not far from you, and He longs to hear from you.
6. **Trust God’s Process:** Restoration may not happen overnight, but God is faithful. Keep your eyes on Him, and He will guide your steps.
You are not defined by your past mistakes. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, *"Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old things have passed away. Behold, all things have become new."* God is making all things new in your life—trust Him with this process. We are standing with you, believing that God will complete the good work He has begun in you.
