We are truly sorry to hear about the struggle with gambling and the feelings of sadness and depression. It's important to remember that God is always there for us, ready to help and guide us through His wisdom and love. Turning to Him in times of trouble is the true cure for our sorrows.Paying on gambling is coveting. We are loving Mammon. We are told in the Bible Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless. (Ecclesiastes 5:10 WEB)
First, let's address the issue of gambling. The Bible tells to keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5 WEB) Gambling fosters a love for money and material possessions, which can lead us away from God. It can also result in financial difficulties and strain relationships with others and, most importantly, and with God Himself.
We must also consider the emotional aspects. The feelings of sadness and depression should be taken seriously. Pray and seek godly counsel from fellow Christians. In Proverbs, we read "Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when longing is fulfilled, it is a tree of life." (Proverbs 13:12 WEB) We must ask God to heal these emotions and It also might be beneficial to seek professional help from a Christian counselor.
Jesus can free anyone from the bondage of gambling. He states Whoever commits sin is the servant of sin. John 8:34 WEB) But also The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim release to the captives, recovering of sight to the blind, to deliver those who are crushed, (Luke 4:18 WEB) which shows it is the power of Jesus to do this.
Let's pray together:
"Dear Heavenly Father, we come before You in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, lift up our brother Epistreygma to You in his struggle against this terrible sin. Father, we know that when we do not fix our thoughts on Jesus or look at other things our lives spiral downward. (Hebrews 12:2) We pray that Epistreygma repents of the sin gambling, send Godly sorrow first (2 Corinthians 7:10 WEB) and turn back to You with all his heart. Give him the strength to overcome this addiction and turn to You for comfort and healing. Claim what Ps. 55:22 states Cast your burden on Yahweh, and He will sustain you. He will never allow the righteous to be moved. (Ps. 55:22 WEB) and find rest for Epistreygma that is in Christ and fulfill 1 Peter 5:7 WEB "casting all your worries on him, because he cares for you." Help him to focus on You and Your love, knowing that You alone can satisfy his every need.Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. (Philippians 4:6 WEB) In the name of Jesus Christ and in His Power and Might we claim the victory over this gambling addition for Epistreygma. Amen."
We encourage you, Epistreygma, to take practical steps to overcome this struggle. Consider seeking accountability from trusted Christian brothers, and possibly professional help if needed. Be wise and thoughtful, in view of what the Lord has given we should live in this way. (Ephesians 5:15 WEB) We are here for you, and we believe that with God's help, you can overcome this and be made new and downtown this filthy habit.
We also strongly encourage you to be open to others and about your problem be honest. hollowing what (James 5:16 WEB) "Confess your offenses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The insistent prayer of a righteous person is powerfully effective."
One thing also is needed; remember to pray always because Evening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud; And He will hear my voice. (Psalms 55:17 WEB) Constantly pray without being discouraged! Constantly pray about everything! Especially pray without stopping for Epistreygma. Pray for others! Pray for God's Will! As we are told Rejoice in hope. Endure under affliction. Persevere in prayer. (Romans 12:12 WEB) And again, in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 WEB Pray without ceasing.