Abuse? Then Make God Your R.e.f.u.g.e.

Abuse? Then make God your R.E.F.U.G.E.

6 Steps In Dealing With An Abuse

Psalm 142

A maskil of David, when he was in the cave.

1 To the Lord I cry out; to the Lord I plead for mercy.

2 I pour out my lament before him; I tell him about my troubles.

3 Even when my strength leaves me, you watch my footsteps.

In the path where I walk they have hidden a snare for me.

4 Look to the right and see! No one cares about me. I have nowhere to run; no one is concerned about my life.

5 I cry out to you, O Lord; I say, "You are my shelter, my security in the land of the living."

6 Listen to my cry for help, for I am in serious trouble! Rescue me from those who chase me, for they are stronger than I am.

7 Free me from prison, that I may give thanks to your name. Because of me the godly will assemble, for you will vindicate me.

1. *R* un away from the abuser.

Verse “0” (0 in the Hebrew Text)

A maskil of David when he was in the cave

Let Him know your situation

2. *E* motionally cry to God in distress.

Verses 1- 2

Let Him know your major concerns

Let Him know your babblings

3. *F* ind your limits.

Verses 3-4

Recognize your physical and emotional exhaustion (v. 3a)

Recognize that your enemies are setting traps for you (v. 3b)

Recognize that only God is your true friend (v. 4)

4. *U* tter your confidence in God.

Verse 5

He is your protection

He is your sufficient provision

5. *G* et God’s help.

Verses 6-7a

Because you are helpless and your foes are much stronger than you (v. 6)

Because God knows a way out from your situation (v. 7a)

6. *E* ntreat His Promise.

Verse 7b

Theological Concept:

“When we are being abused, we can be fully assured that God is our protection and our sufficiency when you follow R.E.F.U.G.E.”