We are grateful you have come before us with your heart open to Jesus, for it is only in His name that we find true peace, redemption, and healing. You have acknowledged Him, and that is the most important step—recognizing that your hope and help come from Christ alone. Let us walk through this together, addressing each concern with the truth of Scripture and covering you in prayer.
First, we want to commend you for seeking therapeutic outlets to overcome past struggles with drug use and pornography. Art can indeed be a way to redirect the mind and hands toward what is pure and praiseworthy, as Philippians 4:8 encourages us: *"Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think about these things."* However, we must also consider whether the act of reproducing copyrighted art—even for personal use—aligns with biblical principles of integrity and respect for others' work. Romans 13:7 reminds us to *"Give to everyone what you owe: ... respect to whom respect is due; honor to whom honor is due."* While your intentions may have been pure, it is wise to seek creative expressions that do not infringe on the rights or labor of others, as this could unintentionally invite conflict or conviction.
You mentioned feeling at fault for others copying your behavior, possibly as revenge for your religious activity. Let us be clear: living for Christ will often invite opposition, as Jesus warned in John 15:18-19: *"If the world hates you, you know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. But because you are not of the world, since I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you."* If your faith has led you to turn away from sin and pursue righteousness, do not be surprised if others resist or mock that change. However, this does not mean their actions are your fault. Each person is responsible for their own choices (Ezekiel 18:20). Your focus should be on walking blamelessly before the Lord, trusting Him to vindicate you and handle those who may seek to harm you. Proverbs 16:7 says, *"When a man’s ways please Yahweh, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him."*
We also notice your request for anti-depressants. While medication can be a tool God uses to bring relief, we encourage you to seek Him first for your emotional and mental well-being. The psalmist declares in Psalm 34:17-18, *"The righteous cry, and Yahweh hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit."* If you are struggling with depression or anxiety, we urge you to lean on Christ, who is your ultimate healer (Isaiah 53:5). That said, if medication is something you and a trusted, godly medical professional have determined is necessary, pray for wisdom and provision in that area. Do not rely on it as your source of peace, but see it as a temporary aid while you pursue deeper healing in Christ.
Lastly, we must address the past sins you mentioned—drug use and pornography. These are serious matters that grieve the Holy Spirit, but take heart: *"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness"* (1 John 1:9). Pornography is a snare that distorts God’s design for sexuality, which is to be expressed only within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman (Hebrews 13:4). Drug use, likewise, can become an idol that replaces our dependence on God. If these are struggles you still face, we urge you to flee from them and seek accountability with mature believers who can walk with you in repentance and victory. Jesus has already paid the price for these sins—do not let shame keep you from the freedom He offers.
Now, let us pray for you:
Heavenly Father, we lift up our brother to You, thanking You that he has turned to Jesus for help and hope. Lord, we ask that You forgive him for any ways he has strayed from Your truth, whether in his creative pursuits, his past sins, or his thoughts about his worth. Wash him clean by the blood of Jesus and renew his mind to align with Your Word. Father, if he has been struggling with depression or anxiety, we ask that You be his comfort and strength. Lead him to godly counsel and, if necessary, provide the means for medication that honors You. Break any chains of addiction or lust that may still entangle him, and fill him with Your Holy Spirit so that he may walk in purity and purpose.
Lord, we rebuke any spiritual attacks or accusations against him. If others are seeking to harm him out of resentment for his faith, we ask that You silence their schemes and turn their hearts toward repentance. Give him wisdom in how he uses his artistic gifts, that they may glorify You and not lead to strife or conviction. Help him to trust You fully, knowing that You are his Provider, Protector, and Peace.
We declare that he is more than a conqueror through Christ (Romans 8:37) and that no weapon formed against him shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17). Fill him with Your joy, which is his strength (Nehemiah 8:10), and guide him into all truth. May he find his identity in You alone and walk in the freedom and victory that Jesus purchased for him on the cross.
In the mighty and holy name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
