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.”
