Studies estimate that 70-80% of domestic violence cases go unreported. Many individuals are suffering in silence, never telling anyone about the horrors they’re facing at home. There are several contributing factors to remaining silent about abuse. One of them is the fear of provoking further violence or harm from the abuser. For many, the shame of admitting they are being abused deters them from opening up about it. Some are financially dependent on their abuser and are afraid of the economic hardship a separation might cause. Barriers to reporting or sharing their pain with others are numerous, even with increased awareness and resources. These issues, and others, can turn domestic violence into a prison for many who are enduring abuse.
Another prevalent reason that many remain in abusive relationships is the emotional ties to the abuser. Victims of abuse often have a deep emotional attachment to the person who is causing them harm, especially when there are periods of reconciliation. It can be an emotional rollercoaster, especially when the abuser expresses remorse after violent outbursts. People who abuse see it as a way to have power over the person they are abusing. They alternate between periods of kindness and violence, creating confusion and also hope that things might get better.
Quite frankly, victims of abuse can become addicted to the emotional highs and lows. Their judgment can become so clouded by this that they forget their identity in Christ. Tapping into the strength and wisdom the Lord offers will transform us internally. And internally is where we need His strength and power most.
In Deuteronomy 30:3-5 (NLT), Moses speaks to God’s people, the Israelites, and reminds them of God's promises: “In that day the Lord your God will end your captivity and have compassion on you. He will gather you again from all the nations where he has scattered you. Even though you are banished to the ends of the earth, the Lord your God will gather you from there and bring you back again. The Lord your God will return you to the land that belonged to your ancestors, and you will possess that land again. Then he will make you even more prosperous and numerous than your ancestors.”
Moses wants them to turn back to God, telling them that if they repent and obey God's commands, our Heavenly Father promises to restore them. Often, we don't recognize the impact of domestic violence and abuse on our total well-being. Every aspect of our existences is affected, and we desperately need the kind of restoration and healing that only God can give us.
When we find ourselves in difficult and painful situations, it can seem impossible, like there's no door that will open and allow us to escape. It's important for us to trust that God will get us out of situations that seem impossible. We must remember the Words of our Master Jesus in Mark 10:27 (NLT), which says: “Jesus looked at them intently and said, ‘Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God.’”
Our Heavenly Father’s promise to restore and bring us back to peace is an offer of hope. He calls us to turn to Him, no matter where we are in life, trusting that He can heal our emotional wounds and guide us to freedom. As 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NLT) says, “All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.” Through God's comfort, we can find healing and the strength to break free from the chains of pain and fear. We can then help others by steering them to Christ.
A friend once said to me that our problems are hardly ever just about us, but about those we will influence and help in the future. The core of our purpose as God’s children is to trust in His provision and help, and to share the Good News that through Christ, we are saved! Every moment of life presents an opportunity to move in our Heavenly Father’s empowerment victoriously.
No matter how trapped or overwhelmed you may feel in your circumstances, remember that God sees you, and He will get you out. The chains of abuse, fear, and hopelessness cannot bind you forever. God is bigger than any oppression or struggle you face. His strength, love, and promises of freedom are more powerful than the hold of your pain and emotional confusion. He is faithful to lead you out of the darkness and into the light of His healing and peace. Trust that God’s hand is reaching out to you, ready to lift you up and deliver you from your trials. Know in the depths of your heart that with Him, there is always a way out.■
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
“God Will Get You Out”, written by Kim for https://rescuefromdomesticviolence.blogspot.com© 2024. All rights reserved. All praise and honor to God through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
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