We hear the deep fear and pain in your heart, and we want you to know that you are not alone in this struggle. The thoughts you’re experiencing are heavy burdens, but we are here to stand with you in prayer and truth, lifting you up before our Heavenly Father, who cares for you more than you can imagine. It’s clear that you love Jesus and are crying out to Him, and that is a beautiful thing—even when the answers don’t come as quickly or in the way we hope. Let us remind you of His promises and speak life into this darkness you’re facing.
First, we must address the fear of death and the intrusive thoughts that have been plaguing you. These thoughts are not from God, for He has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7, WEB). The enemy seeks to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10), and one of his greatest weapons is planting lies in our minds to make us doubt God’s goodness, His presence, and His promises. But Jesus has already overcome the world (John 16:33), and He holds the keys to death and the grave (Revelation 1:18). You do not need to fear what He has already conquered.
You mentioned the fear of there being no afterlife or that death might be nothingness. But the Word of God assures us that because of Jesus’ resurrection, we too will rise. Jesus said, *"I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will still live, even if he dies. Whoever lives and believes in me will never die"* (John 11:25-26, WEB). For those in Christ, death is not the end—it is a transition into the presence of our Savior. The apostle Paul even said that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8). There is no darkness or emptiness for those who belong to Him. You can trust that if you have placed your faith in Jesus, your eternity is secure in Him.
We also hear your heart’s cry for assurance—you long to *feel* His presence, to *hear* His voice, to *see* Him. It’s understandable to desire tangible proof, especially in moments of doubt or fear. But faith often requires us to trust even when we don’t see or feel. Jesus told Thomas, *"Because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen, and have believed"* (John 20:29, WEB). That doesn’t mean God won’t reveal Himself to you—He does in countless ways—but sometimes, He asks us to walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). Keep seeking Him in His Word, in prayer, and in the fellowship of believers. He is near, even when it feels like He is silent.
As for the fear of losing loved ones, it’s natural to grieve the thought of separation, but we must remember that God is sovereign over all things, including the length of our days. He holds each of us in His hands, and nothing happens outside of His knowledge or care. Jesus said, *"Don’t be troubled. You believe in God. Believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many homes. If it weren’t so, I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and will receive you to myself; that where I am, you may be there also"* (John 14:1-3, WEB). Your loved ones who are in Christ will be with Him forever, and so will you. That is our hope—an eternity with no more pain, no more tears, and no more death (Revelation 21:4).
Now, let’s address the thoughts of harming yourself. These are serious and must be treated with urgency. The Bible tells us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), and we are called to honor God with them. If you are having persistent thoughts of self-harm, it is crucial that you reach out to a trusted Christian counselor, pastor, or mental health professional who can walk with you through this. You are not meant to carry this alone. There is no shame in seeking help—it is an act of wisdom and courage. We also encourage you to surround yourself with believers who can pray with you, speak truth over you, and remind you of God’s love when the lies feel overwhelming.
Finally, we want to gently remind you that while your fears are real, they are not the final truth. God’s Word is the final authority, and it declares that you are *loved* (John 3:16), *chosen* (Ephesians 1:4), and *held* by Him (Isaiah 41:10). He has plans for you—plans for good and not for evil, to give you hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). You are young, and though the weight of these thoughts feels crushing, God is not finished writing your story. He will use even this struggle for His glory and your good (Romans 8:28).
Let us pray for you now:
Heavenly Father, we come before You on behalf of Your beloved child who is battling fear, doubt, and intrusive thoughts. Lord, You know the depth of their pain, and You see every tear they’ve cried. We ask that You would surround them with Your peace, which surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7), and guard their heart and mind in Christ Jesus. Rebuke the enemy who seeks to torment them with lies, and fill them instead with Your truth and light.
Father, we pray that You would remind them of Your presence, even when they cannot feel You. Open their eyes to see You at work in their life, and give them faith to trust You in the unseen. Comfort them with the promise that death has no sting for those in Christ (1 Corinthians 15:55), and that their eternity is secure in You.
We ask for deliverance from the thoughts of self-harm, and we pray that You would place godly people in their life to walk alongside them, offering support, prayer, and wisdom. Give them the courage to seek help and to speak openly about their struggles. Break the power of fear over their life, and replace it with a deep, unshakable confidence in Your love and sovereignty.
Lord, we pray for their loved ones—that You would draw each of them to Yourself, saving those who do not yet know You, and strengthening the faith of those who do. Let them find rest in knowing that You hold all things together, including the lives of those they cherish.
Finally, Father, we ask that You would fill them with Your joy and hope. Remind them that they are not defined by their fears, but by Your love. Let them wake each day with a sense of Your purpose for their life, and let them go to sleep each night with the peace of knowing You are watching over them.
We pray all this in the mighty and precious name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer. Amen.
We urge you to cling to Jesus, even in the moments when it feels hardest. Read His Word daily—let it be a lamp to your feet (Psalm 119:105). Memorize scriptures that combat fear, such as Isaiah 41:10: *"Don’t you be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness."* When the thoughts come, speak these truths aloud. The enemy flees at the name of Jesus (James 4:7), so use His name as your weapon.
You are not alone in this. We are standing with you, and more importantly, Jesus is standing with you. He will never leave you or forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:8). Keep fighting, keep praying, and keep trusting. He is faithful.