We have read your request with heavy hearts and we are standing with you in prayer, asking God to meet you in this place of deep pain. The Lord sees every tear you have cried and He does not dismiss the anguish you feel as a woman created in His image. The Psalmist says The Lord is close to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit Psalm 34:18 and You number my wanderings. You put my tears into your bottle. Aren't they in your book Psalm 56:8. You are not invisible to God and your crying is not weakness, it is a testimony that you are being wounded and He cares deeply.
We want to speak clearly about what you are enduring. What your husband is doing with mean, hurtful words and with looks of hatred is sin and it is not the design of God for marriage. Marriage is a lifelong covenant between a man and a woman meant to reflect Christ's love for His people, and Scripture commands Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the assembly, and gave himself up for it Eph 5:25 and Husbands, love your wives, and don't be bitter against them Col 3:19. A husband is called to honor his wife and dwell with her with understanding 1 Pet 3:7. Reckless words pierce like a sword Proverbs 12:18 and harsh, demeaning speech has no place in a godly home. We rebuke that verbal and psychological abuse in the name of Jesus, for it does not come from the Lord and it must be called what it is, cruel and unloving. You are not to blame for his choice to speak hatefully, and walking on eggshells and over apologizing to keep the peace is not the peace God intends. God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control 2 Tim 1:7.
We also hear your prayer for a shield and for courage and strength to go. We pray God will be that shield over you. He is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble Psalm 46:1 and You are my hiding place. You will preserve me from trouble Psalm 32:7. When our heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the rock that is higher than I Psalm 61:2. We ask Him to give you wisdom for each next step, because decisions about safety in marriage need godly counsel and protection. If you have not already, we encourage you to reach out without delay to a trusted pastor, a mature believing woman, or a safe family member who can walk with you in person, and to seek wise Christian counsel. Do not remain isolated. The Lord gives wisdom generously to those who ask Him James 1:5 and He promises Be strong and courageous. Don't be afraid. Don't be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go Josh 1:9. Fear not, 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. If you are ever in immediate danger, please seek safety right away with someone you trust. God values your life and your dignity as His daughter, and you are fearfully and wonderfully made Psalm 139:14.
We noticed your request did not mention the name of Jesus, and we want to gently remind you that it is only through Jesus Christ that we have access to the Father and find salvation and true refuge. Jesus said I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me John 14:6 and There is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved Acts 4:12. If you have not yet placed your full trust in Him, we encourage you to confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, for with the heart one believes resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made resulting in salvation Romans 10:9. It is in His name we pray and in His name we find our shield.
We pray together for you now. Father in heaven, in the name of Jesus Christ we lift this precious sister to You. We ask You to surround her as a shield, to cover her mind and heart from every hurtful word and to heal the wounds that have pierced her soul. Give her Your perfect peace that guards her heart and mind, and give her courage and strength that can only come from You to do what is wise and right. Grant her clear wisdom, open doors to safe and godly help, and place faithful people around her who will listen, believe her, and support her without judgment. Convict her husband of his sin, bring him to repentance, and cause him to turn from harshness and hatred to love and gentleness, but keep her safe while You work. Restore her voice, remind her she does not need to over apologize to earn love, and help her to know she is deeply loved and cherished by You. Lead her step by step out of fear and into Your refuge, and let her feel Your presence as her hiding place and strength. We ask all this in the mighty and merciful name of Jesus Christ, our hope and our salvation, amen.
