“You say you love me, how could you hurt me?”

God understands your pain, hurt and confusion. We often make excuses for our abusers or deny that it happened. Your partner is supposed to love and care for you, not abuse you.

Listen, God, to my prayer! Don’t reject my request.

Please listen and help me.

My thoughts are troubled, and I keep groaning

because my loud enemies Shout and attack.

They treat me terribly and hold angry grudges.

My heart is racing fast, and I am afraid of dying.

I am trembling with fear, completely terrified.

I wish I had wings like a dove

So I could fly far away and be at peace.

I would go and live in some distant desert.

I would quickly find shelter from howling winds

and raging storms.

*

My enemies are not the ones who sneer and make fun.
I could put up with that or even hide from them.

But it was my closest friend, the one I trusted most.

*

My friend turned against me and broke his promise.

His words were smoother than butter, and softer than olive oil.

Psalms 55: 1-8,12,13,20,21

“Am I denying my feelings?”

After suffering abuse it’s perfectly normal to feel as if your faith in people and in God has been damaged. For some, it is very difficult to ever trust again. God can reestablish a healthy sense of trust.

But I trust you, Lord, and I claim you as my God.

My life is in your hands.

Save me from enemies who hunt me down.
Smile on me, your servant.

Have pity and rescue me.

Psalm 31: 14-16

I offer you my heart, Lord God, and I trust you.

Don’t make me ashamed or let enemies defeat me.

Don’t disappoint any of your worshipers,

But disappoint all deceitful liars.

Show me your paths and teach me to follow,

Guide me by your truth and instruct me.

You keep me safe, and I always trust you.

Psalm 25: 1-5

“Maybe If I Do More The Abuse Will Stop?”

Part of the cycle of violence is to place the blame for the assault on the victim. The guilt that we are made to feel because of our supposed transgressions is a heavy, unnecessary burden to carry. A husband is supposed to love his wife as Christ loved the church. Christ never abused the church. He loves us unconditionally. He loved us so much that he took our true transgressions upon himself and died on the cross. Violence is a choice. The abuser has a choice to commit this crime or not. It is not your fault and you deserve to be treated with love and respect, as God intended.

All of you surely know that you are God’s temple and

 that his spirit lives in you.

Together you are God’s holy temple,

and God will destroy anyone who destroys his temple.

1 Corinthians 3: 16, 17

            We often hear “She must have done something to deserve it.” Or “She must have really made him mad.” It’s hard to understand why we have to suffer in this life. Suffering, also, doesn’t mean that we are guilty of something and living a virtuous life does not mean that we will never be sinned against. God is not punishing you for some transgression. The guilt belongs with the abuser and no place else.

            Job was a moral man who suffered greatly. His friend Elihu knew Job was a blameless man. He understood Job’s feelings of frustration and yet he also know that God was fair and loving.

Elihu said to Job:

I have something else to say in God’s defense.

God always does right

And this knowledge comes straight from God.

You can rest assured that what I say is true.

Although God is mighty, he cares about everyone

And makes fair decisions.

The wicked are cut down,

And those who are wronged receive justice.

Job 36: 2-6

“Am I being punished?”

            Suffering also does not mean that we are being punished by God. I have heard people say “God hates me because of all the bad things that have happened in my life.” Similarly, people asked Jesus why a blind man was born blind, “Is this man being punished or are his parents?”

As Jesus walked along, he saw a man who had been blind since birth. Jesus’ disciples asked, “Teacher, why was this man born blind? Was it because he or his parents sinned?”

            “No, it wasn’t!” Jesus answered. “But, because of his blindness, you will see God work a miracle for him. As long as it is day, we must do what the one who sent me wants me to do. When night comes, no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light for the world.”

            After Jesus said this, he spit on the ground. He made some mud and smeared it on the man’s eyes. Then he said, “Go and wash off the mud in Siloam Pool.” The man went and washed in Siloam, which means “One Who Is Sent.” When he had washed off the mud, he could see.

John 9: 1-7

“Why Is God Allowing Me To Be Mistreated?”

 

Why is life so hard? Why do we suffer?

We are slaves in search of shade; we are laborers longing

For our wages.

God has made my days drag on

And my nights miserable.

I pray for night to end, but it stretches out

While I toss and turn.

My parched skin is covered with worms, dirt and sores

And m y days are running out

Quicker than the thread of a fast moving needle.

And so, I cry out to you in agony and distress

Job 7: 1-6, 11

“How Long Must I Endure This Terrible Suffering?”

 

            If you are blaming yourself, or you are afraid others are blaming you for the abuse, please, know that unless the abuser accepts responsibility for his/her actions, the abuse will probably never stop. You are not to blame and God does love and care for you. He understands your pain and will always be there for you.

How much longer, Lord, Will you forget about me?

Will it be forever? How long will you hide?

How long must I be confused and miserable all day?

How long will my enemies keep beating me down?

Please, listen, Lord God, and answers my prayers.

Make my eyes sparkle again, or else I will fall

Into the sleep of death.

My enemies will say, “Now we’ve won!”

They will be greatly please when I am defeated.

I trust your love, and I feel like celebrating

Because you rescued me.

You have been good to me, Lord,

And I will sing about you.

Psalm 13

Jesus Came To Set The Captive Free

The Lord’s Spirit has come to me

Because he has chosen me

To tell the good news to the poor.

The Lord has sent me to announce freedom

For prisoners, to give sight to the blind,

To free everyone who suffers,

And to say, “this is the year the Lord has chosen.”

Luke 4: 16-21

Choose Life

Jesus Said:

I tell you for certain that I am the gate for the sheep. Everyone who came before me was thief or a robber, and the sheep did not listen to any of them. I am the gate. All who come in through me will be saved. Through me they will come and go and find pasture.

A thief comes only to rob, kill and destroy. I came so that everyone would have life,

and have it in its fullest.

John 10: 7-10

God is our mighty fortress, always ready to help in times of trouble.

And so, We won’t be afraid!

Let the earth tremble and the mountains tumble into the deepest sea.

Let the ocean roar and foam, and its raging waves shake the mountains.

A river and its streams bring joy to the city, which is the sacred home

Of God Most High.

God is in that city, and it won’t be shaken. He will help it at dawn.

Nations rage! Kingdoms fall! But at the voice of God

The earth itself melts.

The Lord All-Powerful is with us.

Psalm 46: 1-7

“What Will I Do Now?”

Whatever decision you make in your life, God still loves you and he has promised to never leave you nor forsake you. Change is not easy at times, but sometimes change can be life saving. You were created in the image of God. Your life has meaning and it matters! If you are unsure what to do in your situation, I urge you to take it to the Lord.

God Will Never Leave You!

I pray to you, Lord God, And I beg you to listen.

In days filled with trouble, I search for you.

And at night I tirelessly Lift my hands in prayer,

Refusing comfort. When I think of you,

I feel restless and weak.

Because of you, Lord God, I can’t sleep.

I am restless and can’t even talk.

*

Each night my mind is flooded with questions;

Have you rejected me forever?

Won’t you be kind to me again?

Is this the end of your love and your promises?

Have you forgotten how to have pity?

Do you refuse to show mercy because of your anger?

*

Our Lord, I will remember the things you have done,

your miracles of long ago.

I will think about each one of your mighty deeds.

Everything you do is right and no other God

compares with you.

You alone work miracles, and you have let nations

See your mighty power.

Psalm 77: 1-4, 6-9, 11-14

The Lord Will Keep You Safe

You, Lord are the light that keeps me safe.

I am not afraid of anyone.

You protect me, and I have no fears.

Brutal people may attack and try to kill me,

But they will stumble.

Fierce enemies may attack, but they will fall.

Armies may surround me,

But I won’t be afraid; war may break out

But I will trust you.

*

Please listen when I pray!

Have pity. Answer my prayers.

My heart tells me to pray.

I am eager to see your face, so don’t hide from me.

I am your sevant, and you have helped me

Don’t turn from me in anger.

You alone keep me safe.

Don’t reject or desert me.

Psalm 27: 1-2, 7-9

The Lord Is With You!

You, Lord, are my shepherd.

I will never be in need.

You let me rest in fields of green grass.

You lead me to streams of peaceful water,

And you refresh my life.

You are true to your name,

and you lead me along the right paths

I may walk through valleys as dark as death,

But I won’t be afraid.

You are with me and your shepherd’s rod

Makes me feel safe.

You treat me to a feast,

While my enemies watch.

You honor me as your guest,

And you fill my cup until it overflows.

Your kindness and love will always be with me

Each day of my life,

And I will live forever

In your house, Lord.

Psalm 23

You Are Never Cut Off From God!

Don’t be afraid. I am with you.

Don’t tremble with fear.

I am your God.

I will make you strong,

as I protect you with my arm and give you victories.

Everyone who hates you

Will be terribly disgraced;

Those who attack will vanish into thin air.

You will look around for those brutal enemies,

But you won’t find them

Because they will be gone.

I am the Lord your God.
I am holding your hand, so don’t be afraid.

I am here to help you.

Isaiah 41: 10-13

You Belong To The Lord!

Descendants of Jacob, I, the Lord, created you and formed your nation.

Israel, don’t be afraid.

I have rescued you. I have called you by name; now you belong to me.

When you cross deep rivers, I will be with you,

And you won’t drown.

When you walk through the fire, you won’t be burned

Or scorched by the flames.

I am the Lord, Your God, the Holy one of Israel, the God who saves you.

Isaiah 43: 1-3

The Lord Brings Justice!

The heavens announce, “The Lord brings justice!”

Everyone sees God’s glory.

Love the Lord, and hate evil!

God protects his loyal people

And rescues them from violence.

Psalm 97: 6, 10

He Understands Depression!

Show that I am right, God!

Defend me against everyone who doesn’t know you;

Rescue me from each of those deceitful liars.

I run to you for protection.

Why have you turned me away?

Why must enemies mistreat me and make me sad?

Send your light and your truth to guide me.

Let them lead me to your house on your sacred mountain.

Then I will worship at your altar because you make me joyful.

You are my God, and it will praise you.

Yes, I will praise you as I play my harp.

Why am I discouraged?

Why am I restless?

I trust You!

And I praise you again because you help me,

And you are my God.

Psalm 43

God Can Be Trusted For Real Help

I praise you, Lord for being my guide.

Even in the darkest night, your teachings fill my mind.

I will always look to you, as you stand beside me and protect me from fear.

With all my heart, I will celebrate, and I can safely rest.

*

You have shown me then path to life, and you make me glad

By being near to me.

Sitting at your right side, I will always be joyful.

Psalm 16: 7-9, 11

Human love may fail you, God’s love never fails!

In everything we have won more than a victory because of Christ who loves us.

I am sure that nothing can separate us from God’s love, not life or death, not angels or spirits, not the present powers below. Nothing in all creation can separate us from God’s love for us in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8: 31-39

“Why Am I Discouraged?”

Why am I discouraged?

Why am I restless?

I trust you!

I will praise you again, because you help me,

And you are my God.

Psalm 42:5

“The Lord Is All I Need; I Can Depend On Him!”

Then I remember something that fills me with hope.

The Lord’s kindness never fails!

If he had not been merciful,

We would have been destroyed.

The Lord can always be trusted to show mercy each morning.

Deep in my heart I say,

“The Lord is all I need; I can depend on him.”

Lamentations 3: 21-24

Rebuilding Your Life…

Starting over might possibly be the most difficult thing

you will ever do in your life!

However…

Don’t be discouraged! I can assure you, from my own personal experience,

that it is worth it!

There can be long lasting effects of domestic violence that will take time to heal. The changes can be scary and trying to learn to cope with everything on your own may seem overwhelming at times.

I can honestly tell you that if you will put your faith in Jesus,

you can have a victorious life!

You can overcome the abuse.

You and your children can live happy, healthy lives, free from violence.

The first year was incredibly difficult for me, but the life that I have now is so amazing that I wish I had made the decision to leave years sooner.

I praise you, Lord, for being my guide.

Even in the darkest night,

Your teachings fill my mind.

I will always look to you, as you stand beside me

And protect me from fear.

With all my heart, I will celebrate and I can safely rest.

*

You have shown me the path to life,

And you make me glad, by being near to me.

Sitting at your right side, I will always be joyful.

Psalm 16: 7-9, 11

God Wants To Rescue You

The Lord is my strength, the reason for my song,

because he has saved me.

I praise and honor the Lord- he is my God and the God of my ancestors.

*

Our lord, no other gods compare with you –

Majestic and holy!

Fearsome and glorious!

Miracle Worker!

When you signaled with your right hand,

Your enemies were swallowed deep into the earth.

The people you rescued were led by your powerful love to your holy place.

Exodus 15: 2,11-13

I look to the hills! Where will I find help?

It will come from the Lord who created the heavens and the earth.

The Lord is your protector, and he won’t go to sleep or let you stumble.

The protector of Israel doesn’t doze or ever get drowsy.

The Lord is your protector, there at your right side to shade you from the sun.

You won’t be harmed by the sun during the day or by the moon at night.

The Lord will protect you and keep you safe from all dangers.

The Lord will protect you now and always wherever you go.

Psalm 121

Paul said…

I know what it is to be poor or to have plenty, and I have lived under all kinds of conditions. I know what it means to be full or to be hungry, to have too much or too little. Christ gives me the strength to face anything.

Philippians 4: 12, 13

By the wisdom of God you will be helped to find a solution!

            By prayer you can be open to God’s wisdom and your own wisdom. God may lead you to counter the abuse by calling on others for help and by seeking shelter in a safe place.

In her right hand wisdom holds a long life, and in her left hand

are wealth and honor. Wisdom makes life pleasant and leas us safely along.

Wisdom is a life-giving tree, the source of happiness for all who hold on to her.

By his wisdom and knowledge the Lord created heaven and earth.

By his understanding he let the ocean break loose and clouds release the rain.

My child, use common sense and sound judgment!

Always keep them in mind.

They will help you to live a long and beautiful life.

You will walk safely and never stumble;

You will rest without a worry and sleep soundly.

So don’t be afraid of sudden disasters or storms that strike those who are evil.

You can be sure that the Lord will protect you from harm.

Proverbs 3: 16-26

God Will Guide You

You are my hiding place!

You protect me from trouble and you put songs in my heart

because you have saved me.

You said to me “I will point out the road that you should follow.

I will be your teacher and watch over you.

Psalm 32: 7-8

Peace

I give you peace, the kind of peace that only I can give.

It isn’t like the peace that this world can give. So don’t be worried or afraid.

John 14: 27

A Blessing….

I pray that the Lord will bless and protect you,

And that he will show you mercy and kindness.

May the Lord be good to you and give you peace.

Numbers 6:24-26

Our Prayer for you…

Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for your mercy and your grace! We praise you for saving OUR lives from domestic violence and giving us healing and peace. We come to you in one mind and one accord today and ask your guidance and protection on whom ever is reading this prayer today.

You know the condition of the heart. You know each and every need. We ask that you make special provision for this soul today. Guide his/her path and keep him/her safe today. We pray a hedge of protection about this person and his/her family and direct their paths on this difficult journey. Wrap them in your tender, loving arms and let them feel your presence like a sweet embrace.

In Jesus name!