We hear the deep frustration and struggle in your words, and we come before the Lord with you, lifting up every burden and confusion. First, we want to affirm that your desire to know Scripture deeply and live it out obediently is honorable before God. The Word of God is indeed living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, able to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart (Hebrews 4:12). It is good and right to seek correction and transformation through it, for it is God’s perfect revelation to us.
However, we must gently rebuke the notion that reading the Bible multiple times or even writing it out guarantees correction of errors in behavior. While immersing oneself in Scripture is vital, true transformation comes not merely from knowledge, but from the work of the Holy Spirit in a surrendered heart. Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). Obedience flows from love, not from ritual or repetition. The Pharisees knew Scripture intimately, yet their hearts were far from God (Matthew 15:8). We must guard against legalism—believing that our efforts alone can earn righteousness. Salvation and sanctification are gifts of grace, received by faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9).
You express deep concern for those who have not read the full Bible, even fearing they may be condemned. Let us be clear: no one is condemned for failing to read Scripture, but for rejecting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. The Bible itself declares, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God didn’t send his Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through him. He who believes in him is not judged. He who doesn’t believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the one and only Son of God” (John 3:16-18). Condemnation comes not from ignorance of Scripture, but from rejecting the Son. Our role is not to judge, but to lovingly share the truth of the Gospel with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15-16).
You also mention feeling irritated by those who do not read the Bible, describing them as “religious irritants.” We must examine our hearts here, for Scripture commands us to bear with one another in love (Ephesians 4:2) and to correct others with gentleness (2 Timothy 2:24-25). Irritation and frustration toward others can become a stumbling block to our own walk with God. Instead of resentment, we are called to pray for them and extend grace, remembering that we too were once lost and in need of God’s mercy (Titus 3:3-5).
Your struggle with obedience after reading Scripture is a common battle. James warns us, “But be doers of the word, and not only hearers, deluding your own selves” (James 1:22). Knowledge without action leads to self-deception. We encourage you to seek accountability, perhaps with a trusted believer or mentor, to help you walk out what you have learned. The Holy Spirit is our Helper, and as we submit to Him, He empowers us to live righteously (Galatians 5:16).
You mention siding with money and the tension between worldly security and spiritual obedience. Jesus warned, “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other; or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You can’t serve both God and Mammon” (Matthew 6:24). Money in itself is not evil, but the love of it is the root of all kinds of evil (1 Timothy 6:10). We must seek first God’s kingdom and His righteousness, trusting Him to provide for our needs (Matthew 6:33). Your desire to focus on neutral activities like weightlifting and meal prep is understandable, but we must guard against using even good things as an escape from the call to obedience. True healing and peace come not from routines, but from abiding in Christ (John 15:4-5).
You also speak of feeling haunted by the “ghosts and souls of people” as a source of personal failure. Scripture does not support the idea of spirits of the dead lingering to torment the living. The Bible assures us that the dead are either with the Lord or separated from Him (2 Corinthians 5:8; Luke 16:22-23). If you are experiencing spiritual oppression, we encourage you to resist the enemy in the name of Jesus, for “he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). Submit to God, resist the devil, and he will flee from you (James 4:7). Seek deliverance through prayer, fasting, and the support of mature believers if needed.
Finally, we must address the despair in your words—the sense that this path of faith is “God-forsaken,” a waste of youth, and a source of irritation. Let us remind you that God has not forsaken you. The psalmist cried, “Why are you in despair, my soul? Why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God!” (Psalm 42:5). The Christian life is not without struggle, but it is not without hope. Jesus promised, “In the world you have oppression, but cheer up! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Your youth is not wasted when surrendered to God, for He works all things together for good for those who love Him (Romans 8:28).
Let us pray for you now:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with a heart that is weary and burdened. Lord, we lift up this dear one to You, asking for Your mercy, grace, and healing. Father, we confess that we often struggle with obedience, with frustration toward others, and with the tension between worldly security and spiritual surrender. Forgive us, Lord, for the times we have relied on our own efforts rather than Your Spirit, for the times we have judged others instead of extending grace, and for the times we have sought comfort in anything other than You.
We ask, Lord, that You would renew a right spirit within us. Help us to abide in Your Word, not as a ritual, but as a living relationship with You. Teach us to walk in obedience, not out of legalism, but out of love for You. Father, we pray for those who have not read Your Word—soften their hearts, draw them to Yourself, and use us as vessels of Your love and truth.
Lord, we rebuke any lies of the enemy that seek to convince us that this path is forsaken or hopeless. Remind us that You are with us, that You have overcome the world, and that our labor in You is never in vain. Heal the wounds of frustration, irritation, and despair. Fill us with Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, and guide us in the path of righteousness for Your name’s sake.
We ask all these things in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, for it is only through Him that we have access to You. Strengthen us, Father, to walk in faith, to love others as You have loved us, and to trust in Your perfect plan for our lives. Amen.
