We hear the honesty in your words, and we want to affirm that vulnerability before God and trusted believers is a strength, not a weakness. The world often pressures us to put on a brave face, but Scripture reminds us that God desires truth in our inward parts (Psalm 51:6). When we pretend to be fine when we’re not, we rob ourselves of the healing and comfort that comes from bringing our struggles into the light.
First, we must encourage you to examine your heart before the Lord. Are you carrying burdens alone out of pride, fear, or a misplaced sense of self-sufficiency? The Bible tells us, *"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you"* (1 Peter 5:7). God does not expect you to bear your struggles in silence. In fact, He invites you to come to Him with your weariness, your pain, and your honest emotions. Jesus Himself said, *"Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest"* (Matthew 11:28). There is no shame in admitting you are not fine—it is the first step toward receiving God’s grace and peace.
We also want to gently rebuke any lie you may be believing that says your worth or strength is tied to how well you can hide your struggles. That is not a biblical perspective. The psalmists, prophets, and even Jesus Himself expressed deep emotion—grief, anger, exhaustion, and sorrow—yet they did so in a way that directed their hearts toward God. Consider the raw honesty of David in Psalm 13: *"How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?"* (Psalm 13:1). God did not rebuke David for his honesty; He met him in it.
If you are pretending to be fine because you fear judgment or rejection from others, we must remind you that true fellowship among believers is built on authenticity and love. *"Confess your offenses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed"* (James 5:16). There is healing in sharing your struggles with trusted brothers or sisters in Christ who can pray with you, encourage you, and point you back to God’s truth. Isolation only deepens wounds, but community brings restoration.
We also want to caution you against using this honesty as an excuse to wallow in self-pity or bitterness. While it is good to acknowledge your pain, it is not good to let it define you. The Apostle Paul wrote, *"We are pressed on every side, yet not crushed; perplexed, yet not to despair; pursued, yet not forsaken; struck down, yet not destroyed"* (2 Corinthians 4:8-9). Even in our weakest moments, God’s strength is made perfect (2 Corinthians 12:9). So, bring your "not fine" to Him, but do not stay there. Let it drive you to His Word, His promises, and His people.
Now, let us pray for you:
Heavenly Father, we come before You on behalf of our brother or sister who has laid bare their heart today. Lord, we thank You that You see them, You know them, and You love them exactly as they are—even in their "not fine" moments. We ask that You would break any chains of pride, fear, or self-reliance that keep them from bringing their true selves to You. Give them the courage to be honest with You and with those You have placed in their life for support.
Father, we pray against the enemy’s lies that tell them they must perform or pretend to be strong. Remind them that Your power is made perfect in weakness, and that You are close to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18). Surround them with godly community—people who will listen without judgment, pray without ceasing, and speak Your truth in love.
Lord, if there is unconfessed sin, bitterness, or unforgiveness in their heart, reveal it to them and lead them to repentance. If there is weariness, refresh their spirit with Your living water. If there is loneliness, remind them that You are their ever-present help (Psalm 46:1). Whatever they are carrying, help them to release it into Your hands, trusting that You are working all things together for their good (Romans 8:28).
We ask all of this in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, the One who bore our sorrows and carried our griefs (Isaiah 53:4). It is only through His sacrifice that we have access to You, and we thank You for the gift of salvation that is available to all who believe in Him. If our brother or sister has not yet placed their faith in Jesus, we pray that today would be the day they surrender their life to Him, confessing Him as Lord and Savior.
Strengthen them, Lord, and fill them with Your peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). May they walk in the freedom that comes from living authentically before You and Your people. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
We encourage you to take a moment today to sit quietly before the Lord and speak to Him from your heart. Write down your honest prayers if it helps, and then listen for His voice in His Word. If there is someone in your life—a pastor, a mentor, a trusted friend—who exemplifies godly authenticity, reach out to them. You do not have to walk this path alone.
And remember, the goal is not to stay in the "not fine" but to let God meet you there and lead you to a place of healing, hope, and renewed strength. His grace is sufficient for you.