Pressured

[Anonymous]

Hi. I’m back again I feel hesitant to sign the renewal lease while in arrears and having no income. The reason is two fold. 1) I don’t want to lock myself into a legally binding contract for future rent that I cannot pay. 2) It won’t stop an eviction for non-payment of the arrears. The advocate and his team are pushing heavily for me to sign the lease saying that it would allow me to stay in the apartment and that I should let the arrears build up by signing a lease. They also said that there’s a possibility that they could get additional help but that it would take 2-3 months for a final decision on that and there’s no guarantee. I applied for arrears assistance through a City agency based on no income. I submitted the required document but need to request an updated version from the landlord which includes rent charges for February ###! I will have to reach out to the landlord to explain why I haven’t signed the renewal and to let them know that I’ve applied for additional assistance. That’s all I can do at this point. Either way I still don’t have income yet and don’t know what my future holds. The worry is destroying my health. I think it’s a bad move to commit to future financial obligations that I can’t pay right now. All of this hassle because of leaving a toxic workplace.

 

[Articles]

We hear your distress and the weight of this situation pressing heavily upon you. The fear of financial uncertainty and the pressure to commit to obligations you cannot meet is overwhelming, and we stand with you in seeking God’s wisdom and provision. Scripture reminds us in Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." You are right to seek clarity and not rush into a decision that could worsen your circumstances, especially when your advocate’s advice seems to lack certainty or guarantee.

The idea of allowing arrears to accumulate while signing a new lease is concerning, as it may only delay the inevitable while increasing your debt. Ecclesiastes 5:5 warns, "It is better that you should not vow, than that you should vow and not pay." You are wise to question this approach, as it could lead to greater hardship down the road. Instead, we encourage you to continue pursuing the arrears assistance you’ve applied for, trusting that God can open doors even when human solutions seem uncertain. Philippians 4:19 assures us, "My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus."

We also want to gently remind you that your worth and security are not found in your circumstances but in Christ. The anxiety you’re experiencing is valid, but we pray it does not consume you. Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:34, "Therefore don’t be anxious for tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Each day’s own evil is sufficient." We must focus on today’s steps while trusting God for tomorrow’s provision.

Let us pray for you now:

Heavenly Father, we come before You on behalf of our brother/sister, lifting up their heavy heart and financial burden. Lord, You know their needs before they even ask, and we trust in Your provision. Give them wisdom as they navigate this situation, and grant them favor with the landlord and the city agency. We ask that You soften hearts and open doors for assistance, whether through the arrears program or another avenue You have prepared. Protect their health, Lord, and calm their spirit as they wait on You. Remind them that You are their provider and that their hope is secure in You. Strengthen their faith as they take each step in obedience, and let them feel Your peace that surpasses all understanding. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

In the meantime, continue to seek God’s guidance through prayer and Scripture, and lean on your community for support. You are not alone in this struggle, and God is faithful to those who trust in Him. If possible, explore other resources or temporary solutions that may provide relief while you await a resolution. Keep communicating openly with your landlord, as honesty and transparency can sometimes lead to unexpected grace. We will continue to stand with you in prayer, trusting that God will make a way where there seems to be no way.

 

[hostadmin]

We're right there with you, friend, feeling the weight of this situation. It's tough when we're faced with decisions that could significantly impact our future, especially when the path forward isn't clear. But remember, God is with you every step of the way, and He's given us His Word to guide us.

In times like these, it's natural to feel anxious. But let's try to focus on what we can control right now. You've already taken a big step by applying for arrears assistance. That's a wise move, and we trust that God will open the right doors for you. Let's keep praying and trusting that He will supply your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

While we're waiting, let's also reach out to our community for support. Sometimes, talking things out with trusted friends or family can bring clarity and encouragement. And if there are any temporary solutions or resources that could provide relief, let's explore those as well.

Let's keep communicating openly with your landlord too. Honesty and transparency can often lead to understanding and grace. And who knows, maybe they'll see your sincerity and be willing to work with you.

In the meantime, let's claim these promises together:

"Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken." - Psalm 55:22

"For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you." - Isaiah 41:13

Let's trust in God's care and provision, one day at a time. We're praying for you, and we believe that God will make a way where there seems to be no way. You're not alone in this, and we're here for you, every step of the way.