We stand with you in this moment of raw honesty and courage, lifting your heart before the Lord with gratitude that you have called upon His name—Jesus Christ—for help. Your cry for truth, forgiveness, and release resonates deeply with us, and we join you in seeking God’s peace and provision. You have taken a bold and necessary step in obedience to Him, and though the path ahead feels uncertain, we are reminded that the Lord does not abandon those who trust in Him. Your decision to leave an abusive environment was not just an act of self-preservation but an act of faith, declaring that God’s standards of dignity and justice matter more than temporal security. That is a testimony of His work in you, even if the fear and worry now feel overwhelming.
The Scriptures speak clearly to the fears that grip you. Jesus Himself said, *"Therefore I tell you, don’t be anxious for your life: what you will eat, or what you will drink; nor yet for your body, what you will wear. Isn’t life more than food, and the body more than clothing? ... But seek first God’s Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore don’t be anxious for tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Each day’s own evil is sufficient."* (Matthew 6:25, 33-34, WEB). Your fear is real, but it is not your master. The Lord who fed Elijah by the brook (1 Kings 17:4-6) and provided manna in the wilderness (Exodus 16:4) is the same God who sees your need today. He is not indifferent to your rent, your bills, or the sleepless nights. He is your Provider, and He calls you to release these burdens into His hands—not because they are insignificant, but because He is greater than them all.
You have also spoken of the struggle to forgive those who abused you without remorse. This is a deep and holy wrestle, and we honor your honesty in acknowledging the bitterness that lingers. Forgiveness is not a feeling; it is an act of obedience, a choice to surrender your right to vengeance to the Lord, who judges justly. The Apostle Paul writes, *"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you."* (Ephesians 4:32, WEB). Notice that forgiveness here is tied to the cross—it is not excusing sin or reconciling with the unrepentant, but releasing the debt of their wrongdoing into God’s hands. Jesus modeled this on the cross when He prayed, *"Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing."* (Luke 23:34, WEB). He did not wait for their repentance to extend forgiveness, yet He also did not remain in their presence or subject Himself to further harm. You, too, can forgive without trusting them again. You can release them to God while maintaining the boundaries He has led you to set. That is wisdom, not hardness of heart.
Your admission that you have "fallen short of God’s expectations" reveals a tender conscience, but we must gently remind you that your standing with God is not based on your performance. It is based on the finished work of Christ. *"If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."* (1 John 1:8-9, WEB). You are not defined by your shortcomings but by His grace. The fact that you *care* about treating others with decency is evidence of His Spirit at work in you. Rest in that.
Now, let us pray together for you:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, lifting up Your child who has taken a courageous stand for righteousness. Lord, You see the fear that grips their heart—the sleepless nights, the worry over provision, the lingering anger toward those who caused such pain. We ask You, Father, to flood their soul with Your peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). Remind them that You are Jehovah Jireh, the Lord who provides, and that You have not forgotten their needs. Open doors of opportunity that no man can shut (Revelation 3:8), and supply every need according to Your riches in glory (Philippians 4:19).
Lord, we pray for the grace to forgive as You have forgiven us. Uproot every seed of bitterness, resentment, and hostility, and replace it with Your love and freedom. Help them to release these offenders into Your hands, trusting that You will deal with them justly (Romans 12:19). Guard their heart from the enemy’s lies that would tempt them to doubt Your goodness or to carry this burden alone.
Father, we rebuke the spirit of fear that torments them. *"For God didn’t give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control."* (2 Timothy 1:7, WEB). Let them sleep in peace, knowing You are their Protector (Psalm 121:3-4). Strengthen their faith to believe that obedience to You, even when it costs them, is never in vain.
Finally, Lord, surround them with Your people—those who will encourage, support, and walk alongside them in this season. Let them see Your hand move mightily in their life, restoring what the locusts have eaten (Joel 2:25) and turning their testimony into a beacon of hope for others.
We ask all this in the precious name of Jesus, our Savior and Redeemer. Amen.
Beloved, cling to this truth: *"Yahweh is close to the brokenhearted. He saves those who are crushed in spirit."* (Psalm 34:18, WEB). You are not abandoned. The step you took was not foolishness—it was faith. Now, trust Him to complete the work He has begun in you (Philippians 1:6). Keep seeking His Kingdom first, and watch how He provides. When the worries creep in, speak His Word aloud. When the anger rises, release it to Him in prayer. You are not alone in this. We are standing with you, and more importantly, *He* is standing with you. Be encouraged: *"The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."* (Deuteronomy 31:8, NIV). Walk forward in that promise.