Cry Out To God
The LORD replies, “I have seen violence done to the helpless, and I have heard the groans of the poor. Now I will rise up to rescue them, as they have longed for me to do.” -- Psalm 12:5
Have you ever encountered a situation where your inner radar goes off and there’s really nothing you can do about it? There’s no proof of anything. There’s no obvious sign, just that niggling feeling that something is not quite like it seems.
A few days ago I spoke with a couple that I don’t really know. We are more of the nod, smile and “hello” type as we pass one another. Still, I wanted to invite the woman to a new ladies Bible study. I greeted the couple, spoke a few words, then handed the woman the flyer and invited her. Simple enough, right? The man was not amused. He took the flyer from his wife, handed it back to me and told me she couldn’t attend because she worked nights and would be sleeping during that time period.
Okay. She couldn’t tell me that herself? She smiled and started to speak. He cut her off. Controlling. Dominating. I held my tongue. I did. Really. I didn’t want to but I did. I smiled, said I understood, and walked away. But not before looking the man straight in the eye. My smile didn’t reach my eyes. Yeah, he doesn’t want his wife hanging around with me and a bunch of Christian women. She might get the idea that it’s okay to speak for herself.
Maybe I’m way off base here. Maybe my inner radar took a side road that has nothing to do with reality. I don’t think so, though, and it scares me. And it reminds me that there are women and children -- and some men -- who live in abusive relationships every day. Some of the abuse is verbal. Some is physical. And sometimes it’s both.
I am grateful that God knows and sees all things. I believe He’ll provide a way out of any situation where abuse happens. Because with God nothing is hopeless. He is with us in every situation. And God hates seeing His children being abused and mistreated.
If anyone reading this lives in an abusive situation, please reach out to someone. Talk with your pastor. Call the police. Seek out the House of Ruth or another organization trained to deal with abuse. But don’t stay in the situation. It won’t get better and likely will get worse.
If you don’t know what to do, either because you are a victim or because you suspect someone else is, take it to God. He will always provide a way out. If you’re suspicious, ask God to intervene. You can’t force a victim to get help but God can. Prayer is an amazing way to help. Because God will rise up and defend His
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