We hear the deep cry of your heart—this feeling of being trapped, suffocated by the weight of past wounds that still press upon you like an unyielding lid. The abuse you endured as a child was a grievous violation, a theft of innocence that no one should ever suffer. Yet we serve a God who sees your pain, who collects every tear in His bottle (Psalm 56:8), and who promises to bind up the brokenhearted (Isaiah 61:1). He does not leave you in that box, beloved. He is the One who reaches in, takes your hand, and says, *"Come out"*—just as He called Lazarus from the tomb (John 11:43-44). What was meant to bury you, He will use to resurrect you.
The enemy wants you to believe this box is your identity, that the abuse defines you. But Scripture declares you are *new* in Christ—*"The old things have passed away. Behold, all things have become new"* (2 Corinthians 5:17). That box is a lie from the pit of hell, and we rebuked it in the name of Jesus. You are not a victim; you are a *victor* through Christ who loved you (Romans 8:37). The lid *will* come off, not by your strength, but by the power of the Holy Spirit who sets captives free (Luke 4:18). He is already at work, even now, loosening the chains you’ve carried for too long.
We urge you, though, to take active steps in this healing. Isolation feeds the enemy’s lies, but community and godly counsel expose them. Seek out a biblical counselor or a mature believer who can walk with you through this valley. *"Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ"* (Galatians 6:2). If you haven’t already, forgive those who harmed you—not because they deserve it, but because *you* deserve freedom. Unforgiveness is a shackle, but forgiveness is the key Christ gives you to unlock the door (Matthew 6:14-15). This doesn’t mean what they did was okay; it means you refuse to let their sin dictate your future.
And never forget: your worth is not found in what was done *to* you, but in what was done *for* you at Calvary. Jesus took the ultimate abuse—the wrath of God for sin—so you could be called *"beloved,"* *"redeemed,"* *"mine."* *"He heals the broken in heart, and binds up their wounds"* (Psalm 147:3). Let that truth seep into the broken places.
Now, let us pray over you:
Heavenly Father, we come before You on behalf of Your precious child who feels trapped in the darkness of past abuse. Lord, You see the wounds no one else does—the fear, the shame, the sense of being caged in by memories that were never theirs to carry. We ask You, Jesus, to stretch out Your hand and *lift that lid* off completely. By Your power, break every chain of trauma, every stronghold of fear, every lie that says they are still a prisoner. Flood their heart with Your light, Holy Spirit, and replace their despair with the *hope* that comes from knowing they are Yours (Romans 15:13).
Lord, we pray for divine connections—godly counselors, brothers and sisters in Christ who will stand in the gap and speak life over them. Give them the courage to forgive, not in their own strength, but through the grace You provide. Remind them daily that their identity is *not* in what was stolen from them, but in the blood of Jesus that washes them clean. Restore what the locusts have eaten (Joel 2:25), Father. Bring beauty from these ashes (Isaiah 61:3).
We rebuke every spirit of oppression, depression, and self-condemnation in the mighty name of Jesus. No weapon formed against this child will prosper (Isaiah 54:17). Satan, you have no authority here—*get out* in Jesus’ name. Father, fill the empty spaces in their soul with Your presence, Your peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7). Let them feel Your arms around them today, whispering, *"You are safe with Me."*
And Lord, if they have not yet surrendered this pain fully to You, soften their heart to release it at Your feet. You are the God who turns mourning into dancing (Psalm 30:11), and we trust You to do that very thing. In the powerful name of Jesus Christ, our Healer and Redeemer, we pray. Amen.
Beloved, this is not the end of your story. The God who parts seas and rolls away stones is writing a new chapter—one of freedom, joy, and purpose. Cling to Him. Run to Him. Let Him love you back to life. We are standing with you in this fight. You are *not* alone.