We are deeply moved by your honesty and thank you for sharing your heart with us and for coming in the precious name of Jesus, for it is only through Him that we have access to the Father and it is in His name that we find healing and hope. We grieve that you have endured two domestic violence relationships, and we want you to know that such violence is sin and is never God's will for marriage or for any relationship. God calls husbands to love their wives even as Christ also loved the assembly, and gave himself up for it Ephesians 5:25, and to honor their wives as heirs together of the grace of life 1 Peter 3:7. What was done to you was wrong, and the Lord sees your pain and your courage.
We understand the lingering worry that it could happen again, and we want to remind you that God does not want you to live in fear. For God didn't give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control 2 Timothy 1:7. He is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble Psalm 46:1, and He draws especially close to those who have been wounded. The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit Psalm 34:18. He heals the broken in heart, and binds up their wounds Psalm 147:3. We pray that you will continue to allow Him to heal those deep places, and we encourage you to remain rooted in a healthy local church family where wise and godly counsel, accountability, and protection can surround you as you heal. If the worry becomes heavy, we encourage you to seek continued pastoral and trusted Christian counseling support so you are not carrying this alone.
We also hear your desire to meet someone who shares your love for Christ, and we rejoice with you in that godly desire. We believe marriage is a lifelong covenant between a man and a woman designed by God, and we pray for a godly marriage for you in the Lord's perfect timing rather than a casual partnership. We encourage you to view any future courtship as intentional with the goal of marriage to another Christian believer, for we are told don't be unequally yoked with unbelievers, for what fellowship have righteousness and iniquity 2 Corinthians 6:14. A relationship that honors God will be marked by patience, kindness, purity, and self-control, keeping itself from fornication and honoring God with both body and spirit, and a godly man will cherish, protect, and lead with gentleness, not control or harm.
As you wait, we encourage you to trust in the Lord with all your heart, and don't lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight Proverbs 3:5-6. Waiting is not wasted time, it is a time for the Lord to strengthen you, to grow your discernment, and to teach you to recognize the character that reflects Christ. We pray you will be given wisdom to see clear signs of a transformed heart and to set healthy biblical boundaries early, and that you will not feel pressured to rush into a relationship before healing and peace have taken deeper root.
We pray together for you now.
Father, in the name of Jesus we lift this precious daughter to You. We thank You that You know her by name, You have seen every tear and every wound, and You love her with an everlasting love. We ask You to pour out Your healing upon her heart and mind, to bind up every wound left by violence, and to replace fear and worry with Your perfect peace. We ask that in nothing she would be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, her requests would be made known to You, and that Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, will guard her heart and her thoughts in Christ Jesus Philippians 4:6-7. Strengthen her, uphold her with Your righteous right hand, for You have said 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 Isaiah 41:10. Help her to walk in power, love, and a sound mind, discerning what is good and pleasing to You. If it is Your will, in Your perfect timing, bring into her life a godly man who loves You first, who will love her as Christ loves the church, who will honor her, protect her, and walk with her in purity and faith toward a lifelong marriage covenant that glorifies You. Until then, keep her close to You, surround her with godly community, and let her rest in Your promise that You know the thoughts that You think toward her, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give her hope and a future Jeremiah 29:11. We ask all this in the mighty and merciful name of Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
We encourage you to keep seeking Him daily, to stay in His Word, and to wait with hope. Wait for the Lord. Be strong, and let your heart take courage. Yes, wait for the Lord Psalm 27:14. He is faithful and He will lead you step by step.