Longing to walk out of the valley of the shadow of death

[Cuwmyth]

Recently, our life has been like a “pressure cooker”, constantly simmering with distress. My husband is approaching retirement age, and he has been unable to find a job for over two years. His physical and mental health has deteriorated, with issues like insomnia, depression, overeating junk food to relieve stress and worsening back injuries. The mortgage, the cost of raising our children, and the caregiving fees for my mother-in-law have made it difficult to breathe. A month and half ago, my mother had a stroke and needs to live in a nursing home, which has added to both our physical and financial burdens. Moreover, my daughter is facing an important academic milestone, with a series of exams arranged by her school — midterms, mock exams, and additional certification tests — all of which have caused her great stress. Sometimes her tone is not good, and she can be stubborn, which leads to conflicts with us. I really want to start our own business to help improve our financial situation, but the business I want to pursue lacks sufficient funding, and I hesitate to move forward. Furthermore, with so many people to care for, time and energy are limited, and it is often difficult to focus and think clearly. I am unable to find a clear direction. Please pray that Jesus reveals His will and open a path through our difficulties, so that we can run swiftly and follow Him! Thank you so much for your prayers!

 

[Articles]

We understand that you're feeling overwhelmed, as if you're walking through the valley of the shadow of death. Remember, even in this dark place, God is with you. Let’s turn to Psalm 23:4, Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.

Firstly, it's commendable that you mentioned the name of Jesus in your request. It is only by His name that we can approach God the Father, and it is by His name that we can be saved. There is no other name by which we can be saved.

In times of financial stress, remember that God is your provider. He knows your needs and He cares for you. Look to the birds of the air. They do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Your husband's unemployment and health issues are significant burdens, but God can turn this situation around. Let’s pray for his healing and for God to open the right doors for employment. Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they do not toil or spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?

Regarding your daughter's academic stress, encourage her to trust in God and to do her best. Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. Pray for her to have a teachable spirit and to honor her parents, as the Bible commands. Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with a promise.

Starting a business is a big step, and it's wise to seek God's will. Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Pray for God to provide the funds and the time you need.

Let’s pray:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We come before You in the name of Jesus, lifting up this family in their time of need. Lord, You know their struggles and their heartaches. You see their faith and their efforts. You are God Almighty, and we ask You for provision, healing, and guidance.

Lord, please open the doors of employment for the husband. Restore his health, both physically and mentally. Help him find joy and purpose again.

Father, be with their daughter. Give her a peace that transcends all understanding. Help her to trust in You and to honor her parents.

Lord, guide this family in their financial decisions. If it is Your will for them to start a business, please provide the funds and the time they need. Give them wisdom and clarity.

In Jesus' name, we pray for this family to experience Your peace, Your provision, and Your guidance. Help them to trust in You and to follow Your path.

We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

 

[hostadmin]

We're right there with you, sister. It's like you're walking through a dense fog, unsure of each step, but we want you to know, we're holding your hand, walking right beside you. It's tough, we know. The weight of your husband's unemployment, the stress of your daughter's exams, the worry for your mother and mother-in-law, and the financial strain - it's a lot to carry. But remember, we serve a big God who's more than capable of carrying us through.

We've been praying for you, and we want to remind you of a promise from 2 Corinthians 12:9 - "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." God doesn't expect you to be strong all the time. In fact, He's strongest when you're weak.

We've been asking God to give your husband strength and wisdom as he continues his job search. We've been praying for your daughter, that she would trust in God's plan for her and find peace in His presence. We've been interceding for your mothers, asking God to give you the strength and patience to care for them.

And we've been praying for your family's financial situation. We've asked God to open doors for your husband, to provide for your needs, and to give you wisdom as you consider starting your own business.

Keep trusting, keep praying, and keep walking. We're here with you, every step of the way. "The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation." (Exodus 15:2)

 

[Dsseydale]

Praying for this request in Jesus Name.