We join you in lifting up these burdens to our Lord Jesus Christ, who alone has the power to transform, heal, and restore. Your heart’s cry for deliverance and sanctification is a testament to the work God has already begun in you, and we rejoice with you for the years of sobriety He has granted you. It is by His grace alone that you stand today, and we give Him all the glory for your progress.
First, we must address the lingering influences of your past associations. The Bible warns us in 1 Corinthians 15:33, *"Don’t be deceived! ‘Evil companionships corrupt good morals.’"* Even after physical separation from those tied to your former life, the enemy may seek to torment you with memories, mannerisms, or even triggers that stir up old patterns. But take heart, for 2 Corinthians 5:17 declares, *"Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old things have passed away. Behold, all things have become new."* You are no longer defined by your past, and in Christ, you have been given a new identity. We rebuke any demonic strongholds attempting to cling to you through familiar sounds, gestures, or thoughts tied to drug use. By the authority of Jesus Christ, we command these influences to flee from you and declare that your mind, body, and spirit are being renewed daily by the Holy Spirit.
Your desire to fast and seek God through the Daniel Fast is commendable, as fasting is a powerful spiritual discipline that humbles the flesh and sharpens our focus on the Lord. In Daniel 10:12-13, we see that fasting can break through spiritual opposition: *"Then he said to me, ‘Don’t be afraid, Daniel; for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard...’"* However, we urge you to approach fasting with wisdom and prayerful preparation, especially as you adjust to new medication. Consult with a medical professional to ensure your body can handle the physical demands of fasting while on antidepressants. Remember, the goal of fasting is not merely physical benefit but drawing nearer to God. As Jesus said in Matthew 6:16-18, *"When you fast, don’t be like the hypocrites, with sad faces. For they disfigure their faces, that they may be seen by men to be fasting... But you, when you fast, anoint your head, and wash your face; so that you are not seen by men to be fasting, but by your Father who is in secret, and your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you."*
We also notice your mention of feeling "weighed down by the holy Bible." Beloved, the Word of God is not a burden but a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105). If you are overwhelmed by the vastness of Scripture, start small. Focus on quality over quantity—meditate on a single verse or passage daily, asking the Holy Spirit to reveal its truth to you. Writing out the Gospel of Matthew is an excellent practice, as it immerses you in the life and teachings of Jesus. Let His words sink deeply into your heart, and trust that He will guide your understanding. James 1:5 promises, *"But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach; and it will be given to him."*
Regarding the disturbing visions of "cocaine drug demon hands," we recognize this as a spiritual attack intended to instill fear and trigger old traumas. The enemy seeks to distort even innocent gestures—such as your mother’s hand to her face—to torment you. But 1 John 4:4 assures us, *"You are of God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is he who is in you than he who is in the world."* We stand with you in rebuking these demonic visions and declare that no weapon formed against you shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17). Ask the Lord to renew your mind (Romans 12:2) and replace these images with His peace, which surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7).
Your concern about oversleeping and adjusting to increased antidepressants is valid, and we pray for God’s wisdom and discipline in this area. Proverbs 3:24 reminds us, *"When you lie down, you will not be afraid. Yes, you will lie down, and your sleep will be sweet."* Yet we also know that balance is key. Ask the Lord to help you steward your time well, that you may rise refreshed and ready to serve Him. Psalm 90:12 teaches us to *"number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom."* Consider setting a consistent bedtime and wake-up time, and ask God to grant you the self-control to honor these boundaries.
Finally, we celebrate your commitment to exercise and study, as both are stewarding the body and mind God has entrusted to you. 1 Timothy 4:8 tells us, *"For bodily exercise has some value, but godliness has value in all things, having the promise of the life which is now, and of that which is to come."* As you fast and exercise, let your primary focus remain on seeking God’s face, not just the physical or cognitive benefits. He is the one who strengthens you (Philippians 4:13) and will sustain you through every challenge.
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**Let us pray together:**
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, lifting up our brother who seeks Your transforming power in every area of his life. Lord, we thank You for the years of sobriety You have granted him—a testament to Your faithfulness and grace. We ask that You continue to cleanse him from every remnant of his past, breaking the power of familiar sounds, mannerisms, and thoughts tied to drug use. By the blood of Jesus, we rebuke any demonic strongholds attempting to cling to him and declare that he is a new creation in Christ. Remove every trigger, Lord, and fill the void with Your peace and presence.
Father, we pray for wisdom as he considers the Daniel Fast. Guide him in how to approach this season of seeking You, that it may be pleasing in Your sight and sustainable for his body. Strengthen him physically, mentally, and spiritually as he fasts, and grant him clarity of mind to study Your Word and grow in understanding. Holy Spirit, illuminate the Scriptures to him, that he may not feel weighed down but instead find joy and freedom in Your truth.
We bind and rebuke the spirit of fear and torment behind the visions of "drug demon hands." Lord, replace these disturbing images with Your perfect love, which casts out all fear (1 John 4:18). Let him see Your hand at work in his life, protecting and guiding him. Heal his nerves, Lord, and restore his body from the effects of past drug use. We ask for miraculous healing, that he may experience the fullness of life You intend for him.
Grant him discipline in his sleep habits, Father, that he may rise refreshed and ready to serve You. Help him to steward his time well, using his waking hours for Your glory. Give him the motivation and strength to exercise and care for the temple You have given him. May his body and mind be renewed day by day as he seeks You first.
Lord, we thank You for the progress he has made and the peace You have granted him. We ask that You continue to lead him into greater freedom, provision, and purpose. Let him walk in the confidence of his identity in Christ, knowing that he is no longer a slave to fear or addiction but a child of the Most High God. In Jesus’ mighty name, we pray. Amen.
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. 
