To Those Affected by Abuse

Editor’s Note: Today’s devotional reading discusses abuse. In this sinful, fallen world, abuse happens everywhere; we see it on the news, at our schools, and even in our churches. When we hear about it or experience it, it leaves us reeling, grasping for answers. Abuse whispers in its victims’ ears, saying, You’re worthless. You’re broken. Nobody could ever love you. You are never safe. Dear friends, these are lies. Abuse is never your fault. It is the result of sinwhich affects us alltaking hold in someone’s heart and making them forget that both they and their victim are made in God’s image and are therefore worthy of love and full of inherent dignity. Abuse isolates people and tries to convince them that Jesus is not with them. But that is a lie straight from the pit of hell. Jesus is with you in the midst of your pain. His heart breaks for you. He cries with you. He is holding your hand, walking with you through the muck and bringing you safely to the other side. If you or someone you know is being abused, report it immediately to somebody you can trust. One way Jesus reaches into the worst of situations is by putting people around you who can helpwhether they are friends, police officers, counselors, social workers, teachers, or other trustworthy people (Romans 13:3-4). Pray for God’s guidance and His restoration. By the power of Jesus’ death and resurrection, we can have secure hope that, someday, Jesus will come back to fully defeat all evil, sin, and death and restore all of creation to Himself. Until that day, if we know Him, He lives inside us through His Holy Spirit, experiencing our hurts with us and encouraging us. Bring your pain to Him and rest in His secure love and in the promise of His justice. Taylor Eising God is just, so no wrongdoing will go unpunished (Psalm 103:6; Revelation 20:11-15 and 21:1-8). Why is this so important? How is abuse a violation of the fact that we are made in God’s image? Who is a trusted person in your life you can talk to about abusewhether the abuse is happening to you or you suspect it is happening to someone else? What are some ways you can pray for abusers and the abused? If you are in danger, call 911 (or the emergency number for your area). If you need someone to talk to about your current situation or past abuse, you can set up an appointment for a one time complimentary phone consultation with a Christian counselor through the Focus on the Family Counseling Service: In the United States, call 1-855-771-HELP (4357) weekdays 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Mountain Time) to set up an appointment. In Canada, book your appointment by calling 1-800-661-9800 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (Pacific Time) and ask to speak with the care associate. The Lord executes acts of righteousness and justice for all the oppressed. Psalm 103:6 (CSB)

Read Verses:

Psalm 9:7-10; Jeremiah 17:14; Romans 8:37-39