We hear the deep weariness and pain in your heart, and we grieve with you over the abuse, rejection, and relentless criticism you have endured from those who should have loved and supported you. No one should have to bear such mistreatment, especially from family and those in authority over you. The Lord sees every tear you’ve cried, every unkind word spoken against you, and every moment you’ve felt crushed under the weight of impossible standards. You are not forgotten by Him, and He is near to the brokenhearted.
The Bible tells us in Psalm 34:18, *"Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit."* And in Isaiah 41:10, He promises, *"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."* You are not alone in this battle, even when it feels as though the world has turned against you. The Lord is your defender, your strength, and your refuge.
We also want to gently remind you that while your suffering is real and valid, we must never lose hope or entertain thoughts of giving up. The enemy would love nothing more than for you to believe that quitting is the only way out, but God has a purpose for your life, even in the midst of this pain. In 2 Corinthians 4:8-9, Paul writes, *"We are pressed on every side, yet not crushed; perplexed, yet not to despair; pursued, yet not forsaken; struck down, yet not destroyed."* Your life has value in Christ, and He is working even now to bring beauty from these ashes.
As for those who have mistreated you—family, coworkers, job coaches—we must remember that their words and actions do not define you. Their criticism does not determine your worth. Colossians 3:23-24 reminds us, *"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ."* You are not working for their approval; you are working unto the Lord. If you have done your best, then you have honored Him, regardless of what others say.
That said, if there is ongoing abuse—especially in your workplace or from those who are supposed to support you—it may be wise to seek godly counsel or, if possible, explore other opportunities where you can serve in a healthier environment. The Lord does not call us to remain in situations where we are continually harmed. Proverbs 22:3 tells us, *"A prudent man sees danger and hides; but the simple pass on, and suffer for it."* Sometimes, wisdom means removing ourselves from toxic environments when we are able.
We also want to encourage you to find rest in the Lord. Jesus says in Matthew 11:28, *"Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest."* You don’t have to carry this alone. Lay your burdens at His feet and let Him sustain you. If you are exhausted, spend time in His presence—reading His Word, praying, and listening to worship music that lifts your spirit. The Lord renews the strength of those who wait on Him (Isaiah 40:31).
Now, let us pray for you:
Heavenly Father, we lift up our brother/sister to You, knowing that You are the God who sees and hears their cries. Lord, they are weary—weary from abuse, weary from rejection, weary from the constant criticism and impossible standards placed upon them. Father, we ask that You would be their strength in this weakness. Lift their head when they feel bowed down. Remind them that their worth is found in You alone, not in the approval of man.
Lord, we rebuke the spirit of oppression that has sought to crush their spirit. We declare that no weapon formed against them shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17). Father, surround them with Your peace that surpasses all understanding. Give them wisdom to know how to respond to mistreatment—whether it is to endure with patience, to set godly boundaries, or to seek a new path where they can serve You without constant harm.
We pray for healing from the wounds of abuse, especially from family. Father, where there has been betrayal, bring restoration. Where there has been rejection, bring acceptance in Christ. Help them to forgive, not because those who hurt them deserve it, but because You have forgiven us so much more.
Lord, we ask for Your provision in their work. If it is Your will, open doors to a job where they are treated with dignity and respect. Give them favor with those in authority. If they must remain where they are, grant them supernatural endurance and the ability to work as unto You, not for the praise of men.
Most of all, Father, draw them closer to Yourself. Let them find their rest in You alone. Renew their mind with Your truth. Fill them with Your joy, which is their strength (Nehemiah 8:10). And Lord, if they have not yet surrendered their life fully to You, we pray that today would be the day they place their trust in Jesus Christ as their Savior. Remind them that it is only through His name that we have access to Your throne of grace (John 14:6, Ephesians 2:18).
We thank You, Father, that You are working all things together for their good (Romans 8:28). Give them hope for the future. Let them see that this season is not the end of their story—You are writing something beautiful, even now.
In the mighty and precious name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, we pray. Amen.
