How to Hold God's Handنموونە

There are two types of abuse that we face. One is that which happened sometime ago. It may have taken a while to heal, or we might still be healing from it. The other type is one you’re currently facing—a situation you cannot get out of, one where you keep getting hurt in the same place, healing, and then getting hurt again. It’s a part of who you are, a scar that you don’t show to anyone. It could be physical, verbal, or emotional abuse. Physical violence causes external injuries, which can heal over time. However, verbal abuse hurts forever.

There are many forms of abuse. Many times we may try to palm it off as "that is their personality" or "just the way they are." No. It is abuse. Yelling, calling someone names or devaluing them, threatening them with scriptural judgment, constantly highlighting a person's weakness—these are all forms of abuse.

Conversely, if people have to be careful of what they say or do around you, if there is a sense of fear when you walk into the room, if they have to brace themselves for a barrage of verbal abuse or shield themselves from your actions… YOU ARE THE ABUSER!

Generally, we have a victim mindset. We think this is our lot in life, our “cross” to carry. We sympathize and forgive the abuser. We make peace with it. We would rather deal with it quietly than tell anyone. But we must understand that it is abuse, and God wants us to heal from abuse. But we can’t heal if we keep making excuses for the abuser. So today, we are going to focus on how we can hold on to God’s hand to heal from abuse in the past or even in the present.

The first step for healing is knowing that God sees. The eyes of the Lord are in every place, watching the evil and the good (Proverbs 15:3). God hears our cries. He is not allowing this situation on you, but He does use pain. No, it will not go on forever. There is hope and light at the end of the tunnel.

Here are some powerful scriptures that you can turn to see that God cares and hears our cries. Nothing escapes or gets past Him: (Job 31:4, Psalm 33:14, Proverbs 5:21, Jeremiah 32:19, Jeremiah 16:17).

The second step for healing is that God replaces and redeems you. He replaces your dignity. He makes you whole again. He gives you security. He gives you a voice. He replaces the names that you have been called with calling you His precious child. God will give your pain a purpose and meaning. God will heal the pain. It doesn’t mean you’ll forget it; it means that when you remember it, it won’t hurt anymore.

Taking God’s hand when you’ve been abused means letting God LIFT you, LOVE you, and CARRY you through this. This is one battle you’re not expected to fight on your own. The “hand” of God is in His word—immerse yourself in His word, not for inspiration, but for instruction on how to hold God’s hand. Join a prayer group or a small group in your church. Reach out to the people around you—maybe in your church, or some relatives or close friends. Receive help and encouragement.

• If you are in an abusive situation and are struggling, please reach out to someone in your church or the local authorities. This is not something you have to battle on your own.

Prayer

Our Father, we come to you with all our pain, all our scars. Lord, there are times when we feel alone, lost, abandoned, and the weight of the world on our shoulders. Lord, I pray that your presence will rest close to each person who is currently going through abuse in any form. Lord, I thank you that you see, and nothing escapes you. Thank you that you call me your child. Thank you for replacing my pain with your promises and purpose. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.