Getting Over Abuse

Q

I was sexually abused when I was 13, I’m 24 now, and I’m still having trouble ‘getting over’ it. I know eventually Christ will erase all pain associated with the abuse, but right now I’m suffering from the memory of what was done to me. Are there any bible verses that will help me get through the tougher days?

A

This is the enemy trying to keep you in bondage regarding something you had no control over. But you have divine power, in Jesus’ name, to rebuke this attack, taking these thoughts captive and making them obedient to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:3-5). James 4:7 says as we draw near to God He draws near to us, and when we resist the devil he will flee from us.

When the devil tries to bring you down, remember that you’re a new creation in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17), a pure virgin in His sight (2 Cor. 11:2). In God’s view, you’re already seated in the heavenlies with Christ (Ephes. 2:6-7) and He is enthralled by your beauty (Psalm 45:11).

This is what God knows about you. Anything else is a vain argument, a mere pretension. So forget what is behind and strain toward what is ahead (Phil. 3:13). Don’t focus on this life, which is temporary, but fix your eyes on the next one, which is eternal (2 Cor. 4:18).

If you haven’t already done so, ask the Lord to forgive the one who did this to you, and ask Him to help you forgive as well, and to rid you of any remaining anger, because anger gives the enemy a foothold in your life (Ephesians 4:26-27). Forgiving doesn’t condone the horrible things done to you,  it frees your heart to move on.