Anchored in Trust: Relearning Safety After Sexual Abuse
Anchored in Trust
“Healing takes time. So does trust. But with Christ, both are possible.”
Trusting Again After Trauma
Hebrews 13:8 — “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”
When I read this verse, something in me settles. In a world that’s constantly shifting—where pain, division, and disappointment are all too familiar—this truth becomes an anchor for my soul. I truly pray it anchors you, too.
If you’ve experienced sexual abuse, you know that one of the hardest things to recover is trust. Trust in others. Trust in yourself. And sometimes, trust in God. It touches every part of our lives—our friendships, family connections, colleagues, and especially our romantic relationships. And at the center of trust is vulnerability.
Vulnerability often gets labeled as weakness. But in reality, it’s one of the bravest things we can do: to be fully seen and fully known, despite our past. That’s courage. That’s healing. And it’s the only way to build an authentic connection.
Jesus Is Trustworthy
Jesus is trustworthy. Scripture shows us His consistent rescue and restoration of His people, His unwavering patience even when they wandered, and His relentless love on display at the cross (Romans 5:8). His character doesn’t shift with the winds of culture or circumstance. Because He is the same yesterday, today, and forever, we can risk learning to trust again—when we start with Him.
When it comes to trusting people, we must be wise. Time is a trustworthy teacher. It reveals whether someone’s words and actions line up. Do they say what they mean, and mean what they say? We can ask, “Are they consistent? Do they honor their word?” (Matthew 5:37). The Bible doesn’t shame us for asking these questions. In fact, Proverbs 11:13 reminds us: “He who goes about as a gossip reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy and faithful keeps a matter hidden.”
It’s okay to ask God, “Is this person safe with my story?” “Is this person safe with my heart?”
Healing Takes Time
At Trees of Hope, we create safe spaces for survivors to wrestle with these very questions. In our healing groups, the process of rebuilding trust begins—not only with others, but also within your own body. Trauma can alter the way we respond to the world, making even safe situations feel threatening. Yet with Christ-centered support and trauma-informed teaching, those responses can be gently rewired. Over time, you can learn what safety feels like again—in your body, in your relationships, and with God Himself.
So pause and consider: what might shift in your life if your body no longer felt like the enemy, but instead became a gentle guide back to safety? How much richer and more fulfilling could your life become if you truly learned to trust again?
Understand, there’s a difference between guarding your heart wisely and hiding it away in fear. If you find yourself withdrawing from relationships or afraid to let anyone in, ask God to continue healing the places in you that still feel broken. Proverbs 3:5 reminds us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts—not in our own understanding. When we invite Him into every decision, He promises to direct our path.
Healing takes time. So does trust. Be patient—with yourself, with others, and with God’s timing.
Pray: Dear Lord, please show me Your consistent character through Scripture. I invite You to highlight any inconsistencies in my relationships, show me what I cannot see. Please give me the courage to create boundaries where needed—and the grace to remain open to healing, even when it feels risky. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
