We understand the heavy burden of anxiety and stress you are carrying, and we join you in lifting this before the Lord, for He cares deeply for His children. The Bible reminds us in Philippians 4:6-7, *"In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus."* Your heart is clearly seeking the Lord in this, and we commend you for turning to Him in your distress.
At the same time, we must also remember that God calls us to be good citizens and to submit to the authorities He has placed over us, as Romans 13:1 tells us, *"Let every soul be in subjection to the higher authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those who exist are ordained by God."* Jury duty is a civic responsibility, and unless there is a legitimate reason—such as severe health concerns or other biblical obligations—we should approach it with a willingness to serve faithfully, trusting God to sustain us.
That said, we do not dismiss the very real struggle you are facing with anxiety and panic attacks. These are not to be taken lightly, and we pray earnestly that the Lord would grant you peace and clarity. If your condition is medically diagnosed and severely impacts your ability to fulfill this duty, it may be wise to seek a formal exemption through the proper channels, presenting your case with honesty and humility. Proverbs 16:3 encourages us, *"Commit your deeds to Yahweh, and your plans shall succeed."* Trust that if this is His will, He will open the door for you to be excused.
We also encourage you to lean on the Lord for strength if you are required to serve. He promises in 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."* Even in the midst of anxiety, He can provide the grace you need to endure.
Let us pray together for you:
Heavenly Father, we lift up our brother/sister before You, asking for Your mercy and peace to flood their heart. Lord, You know the depth of their anxiety and the toll it is taking on their daily life. We ask that You would calm their mind and still their spirit, reminding them that You are sovereign over all things, including this situation. If it is Your will, we pray that they would be excused from jury duty, especially if it poses a genuine risk to their health or well-being. Give them wisdom to navigate this process with integrity and trust in You.
If You call them to serve, Father, strengthen them mightily. Help them to rely on You each day, knowing that You are their refuge and strength. Remove the spirit of fear and replace it with Your perfect peace. We ask that You would surround them with Your presence and grant them the grace to fulfill their duties without distress.
We thank You, Lord, for hearing our prayers and for Your faithfulness. May Your will be done in this situation, and may our brother/sister grow ever closer to You through it. We ask all this in the powerful name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer. Amen.
Stand firm in your faith, knowing that God is with you. If the anxiety persists, we also encourage you to seek godly counsel or medical help, as the Lord often uses such means to bring healing. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, who is the author and perfecter of your faith. He will not abandon you.