Healing For the Abused

Beloved, I pray that you may prosper and be in health, just as your soul prospers 

(3 John 2)

We live in an abusive and violent society, and the trend is getting worse.  Domestic violence, police brutality, gang slayings, murder of family members and coworkers, sexual molestation and rape, robbery, burglary and vandalism, and all sorts of harassment are reported in the news every day.  These we are aware of but some abuses are so subtle that we do not recognize the effect they have on us.

 Some are intentional, but many come from otherwise well-intended family or friends, co-workers or even fellow church members.  No matter the source, they take a toll on our sense of well-being and self-worth.  In some cases, they even lead the victim to themselves become an abuser.

As a result of these blows, anger and resentment can hover just below the surface, causing us to flair at the slightest provocation.  We are sometimes shocked to see how little it takes to “set us off.”  It may be as simple as having to wait in a long service line; being accidentally shoved from behind; or being cut off by an aggressive driver.  Even being criticized or misunderstood can evoke sudden bursts of angry defensiveness that surprise and embarrass us.

Aware of it or not, every one of us has experienced some degree of abuse.  Wounds may have healed nicely, allowing maturity in spite of them, but for others there has been no healing, preventing healthy growth. Though great strides are being made to recognize and treat the abused, many incidents go undetected and untreated.  They may occur so stealthily over a period of time that even the abused does not recognize the damage.

What hope is there for us, for our society, to recover from wounds and live in a healthy state of body, mind and emotions?  How can we prevent scars of the past from tainting the present and future?

God’s Word assures us that healing is available.  As surely as He is able to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9), He is capable of healing our whole person – body, mind and emotions. This He promises to His followers:

The Lord…forgives all your iniquities…heals all your diseases…redeems your life from destruction…crowns you with loving-kindness and tender mercies…satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s 

(Psalm 103:2-5)

The Lord binds up the bruises of His people and heals the stroke of their wounds 

(Isaiah 30:26)

He has sent Me to heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to the captive

…to set at liberty those who are oppressed

(Luke 4:18)

Whether abused or abuser, God is waiting to heal all who turn to Him for help. With these promises in mind, perhaps we may find the courage to face the effect of past abuses, and the faith to pray with David:

Have mercy on me, o Lord, for I am weak…heal me 

(Psalm 6:2-3)

                                                            It hurt, Lord, and I cried…
                                                 You held me close and dried my tears.
                                                            I was frightened, Lord…
                                                 You gave me courage; took away my fears.
                                                     Sickness came, strength disappeared…
                                                  Your hand reached out; I had good health again.
                                                     Trials came, I was overwhelmed…
                                                   I heard Your voice; abiding peace flowed in.
                                                      When I looked up to thank You, Lord,
                                                              I saw another’s needs.
                                                       Help me reach out and take their hands
                                                             and to You, dear Lord, lead
                                                      that they may find the things I’ve found
                                                               while anchored in Your love:
                                                         Comfort, healing, courage, strength,
                                                                     eternal home above.