We hear the heaviness in your request and we lift you up together before the Lord, asking for His wisdom and His peace to guard your heart as you wrestle with what to do about the hurt you suffered in childhood at the hand of your mother.
We want you to know that God sees what was done to you, He does not minimize it, and He is near to you in this pain. Psalm 34:18 tells us Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit. And Psalm 147:3 tells us He heals the broken in heart, and binds up their wounds. What happened to you as a child matters deeply to Him, for Jesus said in Matthew 18:6 that whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to stumble, it would be better for him if a huge millstone were hung around his neck and that he were sunk in the depths of the sea.
You are asking about going back to the police and whether it is right, and you share that you are not feeling at peace about it. That lack of peace is important to bring before the Lord. Philippians 4:6-7 says In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus. We pray that God will give you that surpassing peace as you seek His will, not a peace that comes from simply avoiding a hard decision, but the settled peace that comes from walking in obedience and wisdom.
We also know that God has ordained authorities for justice and protection. Romans 13:4 says for he is a servant of God to you for good. But if you do that which is evil, be afraid, for he doesn’t bear the sword in vain; for he is a servant of God, an avenger for wrath to him who does evil. Seeking justice through lawful authorities is not dishonoring to God, and it does not violate the command to honor your father and mother in Exodus 20:12, because honoring parents never means covering over sin or allowing abuse to continue unaddressed. At the same time, Scripture also teaches us about wisdom, timing, and counsel. James 1:5 says But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. And Proverbs 15:22 says Where there is no counsel, plans fail; but in a multitude of counselors they are established.
We encourage you to continue to seek the Lord earnestly for wisdom, and to also seek wise, godly counsel as you discern this step. A trusted pastor, a mature Christian counselor, and perhaps a legal advocate who understands these sensitive cases can help you think through why you are considering going back to the police, what you hope would come from it, whether it may protect others, and what it may mean for your own healing. Isaiah 1:17 says Learn to do well. Seek justice. Relieve the oppressed. God cares both about justice and about your restoration.
We also want to gently speak about forgiveness, because many who have been hurt as children wrestle with this. Ephesians 4:32 says And be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you. Forgiveness through Christ is commanded and it frees your heart from bitterness, but forgiveness does not mean what happened was okay, and it does not automatically remove earthly consequences for wrongdoing. You can forgive in Christ while still pursuing what is right and just.
We thank you for coming in Jesus' name, for it is only through Him we have access to the Father and it is only in His name we are saved and heard. John 14:6 says Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me. And Acts 4:12 reminds us There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved.
We pray together for you now.
Father, in Jesus' name we bring this dear one before Your throne of grace. You know the details of what happened in childhood, every wound and every memory, and You have collected every tear. We ask You to pour out Your healing presence upon this broken heart. Lord, grant clear wisdom about whether to go back to the police. Quiet the confusion and anxiety, and let Your peace which surpasses all understanding guard heart and mind in Christ Jesus. Lead to godly counselors who will listen with compassion and speak truth, and give courage to take the next right step in obedience to You. Help to forgive as You have forgiven, while also seeking what is just and good. Protect from the enemy's lies of shame and condemnation, and remind this one that they are deeply loved, valued, and cherished as Your child. Bring restoration in Your perfect timing, and use even this pain for good as You promise in Romans 8:28. We ask all this in the mighty and healing name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, Amen.
We encourage you to keep drawing near to Jesus daily, to stay in His Word, to pray honestly about every fear and question, and to not walk through this decision alone. God will guide you step by step as you trust Him.