“But those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.”
Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)

Strengthening Faith and Relationship with God

When Faith Feels Fragile

After walking through the deep wounds of abuse, your faith may feel frayed. You may still love God but feel distant from Him. You may wrestle with questions you never voiced before:

“Where was God when I was hurting?”
“Why didn’t He stop it?”
“Can I really trust Him again?”

These are honest questions. God is not offended by them. In fact, He invites you to bring your whole heart—even the trembling, doubting, angry, or confused parts—into His presence.

You are not faithless for asking hard questions. You are faithful for choosing to bring them to God instead of turning away.

God Was with You—Even Then

Abuse twists our perception of everything, including God. When someone you trusted betrayed you, it can be hard to imagine a God who is truly safe, loving, and trustworthy.

But here is the truth:
God never aligned with your abuser.
He did not abandon you. He grieved over your pain. He collected your tears in His Hand. He protected pieces of your soul that you didn’t even realize were under attack.

And now, He is lovingly drawing you near—not to lecture, but to restore.

Faith Is a Relationship, not a Performance

You don’t have to “be strong” for God. You don’t need to put on a brave face in your quiet time or pretend everything is okay. God already knows, expressing your feelings to Him won’t shock Him. Strengthening your faith is not about performing; it’s about connecting.

God desires relationship with you. That means:

You can speak freely.
You can be silent and still.
You can cry, question, get angry, rejoice, and rest.

Faith grows in safe, honest spaces—and the safest place is always with your Heavenly Father.

Ways to Rebuild Your Relationship with God

Here are a few grace-filled practices to help you reconnect with God as you heal:

1. Return to the Word—Not for Rules, but for Relationship

Start with Scriptures that reveal God’s heart for the broken and wounded. Read slowly. Meditate. Ask the Holy Spirit to make the Word feel alive again.

Recommended Passages: Psalm 34, Isaiah 61, John 10, Romans 8, Matthew 11:28-30

2. Pray Simply and Honestly

Prayer doesn’t have to be fancy or formal. It can sound like:

“God, I feel far from You. Will You help me trust You again?”
“I don’t know what to say today, but I want to be near You.”
“Jesus, show me where You were in my pain.”

God honors raw honesty. That’s where intimacy begins.

3. Worship Through Music in a Way That Feels Safe

You may have once worshiped in environments that were controlling or triggering. That doesn’t mean worship is unsafe, it means you’re learning to reclaim it. Put on worship music at home. Let the lyrics minister to you. Music has a way of seeping deep within you. Sing if you can. Sit in silence if you can’t.

God receives it all.

4. Invite God into the Little Things

Strengthening your relationship with God isn’t just about Sunday mornings or Bible studies. Invite Him into everyday moments:

Your morning coffee.
Your commute or quiet time.
Your tears, your questions, your to-do list.

He wants to walk with you.

5. Join Safe, Spirit-Led Community

Abuse often isolates. Healing invites you back into connection. Whether it’s a women’s group, a trusted mentor, or a faith-based counselor, community can help rebuild your faith. Look for places where you feel seen, safe, and spiritually supported.

Your Faith Is Stronger Than You Think

You’re here. You’re seeking God. You’re choosing healing. That is faith.

Even if you feel like your belief is small, Jesus said,
“If you have faith as small as a mustard seed… nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matthew 17:20)

God isn’t asking for perfection. He’s asking for your presence. And He’s offering His in return—fully, faithfully, and forever.

Reflection Questions: Strengthening Faith and Relationship with God

Section 1: Faith After the Storm

How has your experience with abuse affected your faith or relationship with God?
Are there questions you’ve been afraid to ask God? What would it feel like to speak to them honestly to Him now?
In what ways have you already seen God gently drawing you closer since beginning your healing journey?

Section 2: Rebuilding Trust in God

What helps you feel safe with God? What makes it hard to trust Him?
Are there certain Scriptures, songs, or moments that have helped you reconnect with God? Write down a few.
What would “spending time with God” look like for you if it didn’t have to be perfect or performative?

Section 3: Faith in Daily Life

What small daily routines could you introduce to feel more connected to God (e.g., a prayer walk, worship playlist, gratitude journal)?
How might you invite God into the ordinary moments of your life right now?
What do you need to release in order to receive more of God’s peace, presence, or truth?

Section 4: A Hopeful Future

What kind of relationship with God do you want in this new season of your life?
What might be possible in your life if you truly believed God was for you, not against you?
Finish this prayer in your journal: “God, I want to know You as ________. Help me believe that You are ________.”