We hear your cry and we understand how weary you feel when you have determined in your heart not to let another person or job drain the life out of you, only to find yourself feeling that same heaviness, depression and anger returning. We want you to know that God sees your suffering mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually, and He does not want you to carry this burden alone.
We want to gently encourage you about the vow you made and the feeling that your faith is being tested too much. While it is wise to set godly boundaries and to guard your heart, our strength to stand will not come from our own resolve alone but from the Lord. When we make vows in our own strength we can quickly feel defeated, but when we depend on Him He sustains us. The testing of our faith is not meant to destroy us but to refine us and to draw us closer to Him, though we know it feels exhausting in the moment. Count it all joy, my brothers, when you fall into various temptations, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. Let endurance have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4
God invites you to bring this stress directly to Him and to find rest in Him rather than trying to carry it or remove it by sheer willpower. Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30 Cast your burden on Yahweh, and he will sustain you. He will never allow the righteous to be moved. Psalm 55:22 Casting all your worries on him, because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7 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. Philippians 4:6-7
We also noticed your request did not mention the name of Jesus, and we want to lovingly remind you that it is only through Jesus that we have access to the Father and find true rest and salvation. Jesus said, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me. John 14:6 There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12 If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9 We encourage you to call upon His name not only for relief from stress but for the forgiveness of sins and the gift of eternal life and daily strength.
We lift you up together in prayer.
Father, we come before You in the name of Jesus Christ and we lift up this dear one who is feeling drained and overwhelmed. You see the person and the job that has brought such stress, and You know the history of mental, physical, emotional and spiritual suffering. Lord, we ask that You would remove what needs to be removed and give wisdom about what boundaries need to be set, and where You want this child of Yours to remain and be a light. Grant discernment to know when to stay and when to step away, and provide for every need. We pray You would lift the weight of depression and anger and replace it with Your peace that surpasses all understanding. Heal the weariness and renew strength, for You give power to the weak and to him who has no might You increase strength. Isaiah 40:29 Help our dear friend to rest in You, to cast every care on You, and to trust that You are working even this testing for good and for endurance. Draw this heart closer to Jesus, remind this soul of Your unfailing love, and let Your joy and rest be restored. We ask all this in the mighty name of Jesus, our only hope and our rest, amen.
We encourage you to continue to bring your burdens to the Lord daily in prayer, to spend time in His Word, and to seek godly counsel and rest. Fear not, for I am with you. Do not 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. Isaiah 41:10 You do not have to go through this again in your own strength. We are praying that God will remove the crushing stress and fill you instead with His strength, wisdom and peace.