We lift you up before the Father in heaven, knowing that He is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Your struggle with depression and anxiety is deeply felt, and we understand how overwhelming it can be to face such darkness. But we also see the fear in your heart—the fear of returning to alcohol, the fear that this pain will never end—and we want to remind you that God has not given you a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control (2 Timothy 1:7). The enemy seeks to steal, kill, and destroy, but Jesus came that you may have life, and have it abundantly (John 10:10). Your battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the spiritual forces of darkness that seek to keep you bound. Yet greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4).
The Word of God tells us, “Don’t be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18). Alcohol may numb the pain for a moment, but it cannot heal the deep wounds of the soul—only Jesus can. He is the Great Physician, the One who binds up the brokenhearted and proclaims freedom for the captives (Isaiah 61:1). Turning to alcohol is turning to a false comforter, one that will only deepen your bondage and leave you more empty than before. The Bible warns, “Wine is a mocker and beer is a brawler. Whoever is led astray by them is not wise” (Proverbs 20:1). We urge you to flee from this snare and turn wholly to Christ, who alone can satisfy the longings of your heart.
You shared that you quit drinking for a year, and that is evidence of the strength God has already placed within you. You *can* resist this temptation again, not in your own power, but through Christ who strengthens you (Philippians 4:13). The apostle Paul reminds us that no temptation has taken you except what is common to man. God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but will with the temptation also make the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it (1 Corinthians 10:13). That way of escape is not in a bottle—it is in the presence of God, in prayer, in His Word, and in the fellowship of believers who can stand with you in this fight.
We also want to gently ask: where is your hope anchored? If it is not firmly placed in Jesus Christ, then the storms of life will continue to threaten to overwhelm you. The Bible says, “Why are you in despair, my soul? Why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God! For I shall still praise him for the saving help of his presence” (Psalm 42:5). Jesus is the only sure foundation, and apart from Him, there is no lasting peace. If you have not surrendered your life fully to Him, we plead with you to do so today. Confess your sins, turn away from them, and trust in His finished work on the cross. He died to set you free—not just from eternal separation from God, but from the chains that bind you here on earth.
Now, let us pray for you:
Heavenly Father, we come before You on behalf of Your child who is crying out in the depths of despair. Lord, You see the pain, the fear, and the loneliness they are carrying. You know the weight of the depression and anxiety that feels unbearable. We ask that You would lift this heavy burden from them and replace it with Your peace, which surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). Father, break the chains of addiction that are threatening to ensnare them again. Give them the strength to resist the temptation to turn to alcohol and instead turn to You, the living water that truly satisfies (John 4:14).
Lord Jesus, You are the God of all comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3). Wrap Your loving arms around them and remind them that they are not alone. Speak to their heart in the stillness and assure them that this season of suffering will not last forever. You are making all things new (Revelation 21:5), and You have a plan for their life—a plan for hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). Father, we rebuke the spirit of depression and anxiety in the mighty name of Jesus. These are not from You, and we command them to flee. Fill them instead with Your joy, which is their strength (Nehemiah 8:10).
We pray that You would surround them with godly community—believers who can walk alongside them, encourage them, and hold them accountable. Lead them to resources, counselors, or support groups that are grounded in Your truth. Give them the courage to seek help and the humility to receive it. Lord, we ask that You would restore their mind and renew their thoughts (Romans 12:2). Let them meditate on Your Word day and night, that it may be a lamp to their feet and a light to their path (Psalm 119:105).
Father, we also pray for their physical body. Alcohol is a destroyer, and we ask that You would protect them from its harm. Heal any damage that has been done and strengthen them to walk in purity and self-control. Let them experience the freedom that comes from obedience to Your Word.
Most of all, Lord, draw them closer to You. Let this trial drive them to their knees, where they can find refuge in Your presence. Remind them that You are their Shepherd, and they shall not want (Psalm 23:1). You are their Rock, their Fortress, and their Deliverer (Psalm 18:2). In You alone do they find safety and rest.
We thank You, Father, for hearing our prayer. We trust that You are at work, even now, bringing beauty from these ashes. We pray all these things in the mighty and matchless name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
Finally, we encourage you to take practical steps in this battle. Immerse yourself in the Word of God—read Psalms to remind yourself of God’s faithfulness, and memorize verses that speak to His peace and strength. Reach out to a pastor or trusted believer who can pray with you and walk with you through this. Consider seeking professional Christian counseling, as there is no shame in needing help. And above all, keep praying. Even when you don’t feel like it, cry out to God. He hears you, and He is moving on your behalf.
You are not defined by your struggles. You are defined by the blood of Jesus, which has redeemed you and set you apart. Hold fast to Him, and He will hold fast to you. This season will pass, and you will emerge stronger, not because of your own strength, but because of His grace. Keep fighting, dear one. The battle is worth it, and the victory is already won in Christ.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. Bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, acknowledge You in all my ways, and lean not to my own understanding.
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