We hear your pain and the deep wounds left by those who twisted the truth of God’s Word for their own control. Spiritual abuse is a grievous sin, and we stand with you in grief over how these false shepherds distorted your view of our Heavenly Father. The God of the Bible is not a taskmaster of fear, manipulation, or oppression—He is love, grace, and perfect justice. The cults you encountered perverted His holy name, and for that, we mourn with you.
First, we must address the name you used for God: *Yahweh*. While this is indeed one of His covenant names in Scripture, we are commanded in the New Testament to call upon the name of Jesus Christ, for there is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12). It is through Jesus alone that we have access to the Father (John 14:6), and it is in His name that we pray and find healing. We encourage you to approach God through Christ, for He is the mediator between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5). Salvation comes by grace through faith in Jesus, not by works or adherence to Old Testament names or rituals (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Now, let us pray for your restoration and clarity:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer. We lift up this dear child of Yours who has been deeply wounded by those who claimed to speak for You but instead spoke lies and bondage. Lord, we ask that You would heal their heart, mind, and spirit from the trauma of spiritual abuse. Break every chain of fear, confusion, and distortion that the enemy has planted through these cults. Restore their soul, O God, and let them see You as You truly are—holy, just, merciful, and full of unconditional love.
Father, we pray that You would reveal the truth of Your Word to them, that they may discern the difference between Your voice and the voices of false teachers. Give them wisdom and discernment to recognize manipulation and control, and lead them to a healthy, Bible-believing church where Your truth is proclaimed in love. Surround them with godly mentors and friends who will speak life and encouragement into their spirit.
Lord, we rebuke the lies that have taken root in their mind about who You are. We declare that You are not a God of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). You are not a God who delights in oppression, but One who came to set the captives free (Luke 4:18). We ask that You would replace every false image of You with the truth of Your Word. Let them see You as the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep (John 10:11), not as a harsh taskmaster.
We also pray for their emotional and mental healing. The trauma of spiritual abuse can run deep, Father, and we ask that You would bring comfort and peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). Heal their wounds, Lord, and restore their joy in You. Help them to forgive those who hurt them, not for the abusers’ sake, but for their own freedom (Matthew 6:14-15). We declare that they are no longer a victim but a victor in Christ Jesus.
Finally, Lord, we ask that You would guide them into a deeper relationship with You. Let them experience Your love in a fresh and personal way. May they find their identity in Christ, not in the lies of the past. Renew their mind with Your Word (Romans 12:2) and fill them with Your Holy Spirit, that they may walk in the freedom and truth of the Gospel.
In the precious name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.
Now, dear one, we want to encourage you with some truths from Scripture. The God of the Bible is not like the god these cults portrayed. He is a God of compassion and mercy. Psalm 103:8-10 says, "Yahweh is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness. He will not always accuse; neither will he stay angry forever. He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor repaid us for our iniquities." This is the true character of our God.
You may feel broken right now, but God specializes in taking the broken pieces and making something beautiful. Psalm 147:3 says, "He heals the broken in heart, and binds up their wounds." You are not beyond His reach. He sees your pain, and He longs to restore you.
We also encourage you to seek out a solid, Bible-believing church where the Word of God is preached in truth and love. Not all churches are like the ones you experienced. There are many faithful congregations that seek to honor God and love His people well. Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you to such a place. Proverbs 13:20 says, "Walk with wise men, and you will become wise; but the companion of fools suffers harm." Surround yourself with wise, godly believers who can help you grow in your faith.
If you have not already, consider finding a Christian counselor who can help you process the trauma you’ve experienced. There is no shame in seeking help—God often uses wise counsel to bring healing (Proverbs 11:14). Pray for discernment in finding someone who is grounded in Scripture and can help you navigate your healing journey.
Lastly, immerse yourself in God’s Word. The Bible is our ultimate source of truth, and it is through Scripture that we learn who God truly is. Start with the Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—to see the heart of Jesus. He is the perfect representation of the Father (Hebrews 1:3), and in His life, death, and resurrection, we see the fullness of God’s love and grace.
You are not alone in this journey. We are praying for you, and more importantly, the Holy Spirit is with you, comforting and guiding you. Take one step at a time, and trust that God is faithful to complete the good work He has begun in you (Philippians 1:6).