We have heard your heart and we are lifting you up together before the Father in Jesus name in this very difficult and heavy time. We are so sorry for the disappointment you feel toward your family and for the deep disturbance to your peace after your abusive ex reappeared this week. The Lord sees when we are low and He draws near to us in that place.
We take comfort in what Scripture says, Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit Psalm 34:18. And He says to us, Don't you be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness Isaiah 41:10. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble Psalm 46:1. When anxiety and heaviness press in, we are reminded, 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 Philippians 4:6-7.
We want to speak clearly about the abuse you experienced. Abuse in any form is sin and it is not God's will for you. The Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one 2 Thessalonians 3:3. We encourage you to maintain firm and safe boundaries with this former abuser. It is wise and right to not open the door to further contact, to block communication if needed, to seek safety, and to lean on trusted pastors, godly counsel, and if necessary lawful protection. We pray that you will not be drawn back into that harmful relationship. God's design for relationships is for courtship that honors Him between believers with the goal of lifelong marriage between a man and a woman, marked by love, respect, and Christlike sacrifice. An abusive relationship is the opposite of that and we encourage you to look to the Lord for healing and, in His perfect timing, if it is His will for you to marry, to seek a godly spouse who will honor God and cherish you as Christ loves the church. If there was sexual intimacy outside of marriage in that past relationship, we gently encourage you to bring that to the Lord in repentance and receive His forgiveness and cleansing, for He is gracious to restore those who turn to Him.
Regarding your family, we understand how painful disappointment can be when those closest to us fall short. Scripture calls us, If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men Romans 12:18, and Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you Ephesians 4:32. Forgiveness does not mean that hurtful behavior is acceptable or that healthy boundaries are not needed, but it does free our hearts from bitterness and entrusts justice to God. We pray for wisdom for you to navigate these family relationships with both grace and truth.
We noticed your request did not mention the name of Jesus Christ, and we want to lovingly share that it is only through Jesus that we have access to God and peace with Him. Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me John 14:6. 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 Acts 4:12. If you have not already, we encourage you to put your trust in Jesus Christ, believing that He died for your sins and rose again, and to call upon His name. If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved Romans 10:9. It is in His name that we pray and find true and lasting peace.
We pray together for you now.
Father in heaven, we lift this dear one to You in the name of Jesus Christ. You see the disappointment and heaviness in the heart and the way peace has been disturbed this week. We ask You to wrap Your comforting presence around this life right now, to lift the lowness and replace anxiety with Your peace that surpasses all understanding. Lord, we ask You to be a shield and refuge from the abusive ex, to guard from all harm and to give courage to keep firm boundaries and to not return to what harmed. Heal the wounds left by that abuse, heal memories and fears, and restore a sense of safety and worth as Your beloved child. We also bring the family situation before You, You know the reasons for the disappointment even when they are not spoken here. Bring healing where there has been hurt, give wisdom for conversations and boundaries, teach forgiveness and help reconciliation where it is possible and wise. Lead toward relationships that honor You and toward a future that reflects Your goodness. Draw this heart close to Jesus, reveal Your love and salvation through Him, and let Your joy and hope rise again. We ask all this in the mighty and merciful name of Jesus Christ, amen.
We encourage you to stay close to the Lord in prayer and in His Word daily, to share openly with a trusted pastor or mature believer who can walk with you, and to not carry this burden alone. Keep guarding your peace by keeping distance from what God has delivered you from, and keep seeking Him for the healing of your family. We are continuing to pray for your peace to be fully restored and for God's strength to uphold you each day.