Overcome Gaslighting With Scripture, Prayer and Practical Techniques
Introduction
Gaslighting is a form of emotional abuse that can leave victims feeling confused, anxious, and powerless. It occurs when a spouse or relative manipulates the other person’s perception of reality, causing them to doubt their own experiences and memory. Gaslighting can take a toll on families, leaving lasting scars on individuals and relationships. As Christians, we are called to love, support, and empower one another.
However, even Christians strong in faith can be blind-sighted by a person gaslighting them – especially if they love that person. By centering on God rather than the victimizer, the person victimized can more easily receive guidance by Holy Spirit. This is a serious form of abuse that I’ve experienced, and know of others who are dealing with this problem currently.
Along with reaching out for professional or pastoral help to process the trauma, you must lean on scripture and prayer daily to grow in your faith in God as your source of strength and comfort during this challenging time. Pray for wisdom and discernment, and remember that God’s love for you is unwavering. It is never too late to take action to overcome gaslighting and reclaim your sense of self.
Overcome Gaslighting Guidance
I wasn’t able to find help for my problem with gaslighting. At that time the church I attended didn’t believe that the Bible had practical wisdom for current societal problems. Also this type of problem wasn’t recognized professionally to describe or understand so I turned to God’s Word completely for healing, but it took some time.
While I became spiritually strong because of it, even without a support system, it took some time to heal. This is why I have written this article and also a healing guide to overcome anything based on my experience that I journaled during this time in my life.
To identify and expidite your healing, go to Created For Greatness By God’s Design. However, read the following information as it can help you begin the process to decide what can work best for you in the area of applying God’s Word, prayer and professional help.
If you or someone you know is dealing with gaslighting, here are some practical tips to help cope and heal.
1. Pray for strength and guidance
In times of distress, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed and alone. Turn to God in prayer and ask for strength and guidance. Remember that He is always with you, even in the darkest moments. Trust in His love and power to heal.
It’s important to become strong in Christ to heal so that you can overcome the mental and emotional gaslighting being done against you.
“The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.” – Psalm 9:9
2. Seek counseling or support groups
Talk to a licensed Christian counselor, pastor, or join a Christian support group. Doing this can be a helpful tool in healing from the effects of gaslighting. If you can’t find a Christian counselor, look for a professional who can provide strategies in the area of manipulation and gaslighting to help cope with the emotional fallout of gaslighting. They can also offer guidance on how to set healthy boundaries. However, make sure that their help reflects Christian values.
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” – Psalm 147:3
3. Practice self-care
Taking care of yourself is crucial in the healing process. Engaging in activities that bring you joy and self-reflection can give you a sense of control and help you reconnect with your true self. Get plenty of rest and enjoy the people who support and love you while looking to God for healing through your chosen method of help.
No matter what method of healing you might choose outside or within your church, it’s imperitive to renew your mind with God’s Word. Until I learned to do this correctly, I made little progess. This one step, brought healing and great insight to overcome the persons in my life causing emotional damage and how to outsmart them with God’s wisdom. I didn’t do one bad thing back to anyone. Instead, I learned to understand God’s love, which casts out fear (John 4:18) and ends the purpose behind a person’s gaslighting abuse.
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” – Romans 12:2
4. Set healthy boundaries
Gaslighters often thrive on control, but setting boundaries can help you reclaim your power. It’s okay to say no and establish limits on what you are and are not willing to accept. Practicing assertiveness can feel uncomfortable at first, but it can lead to greater self-respect and healthier relationships.
God’s Word will help you do this by transforming your life with verses about who God says you are and what you can do in Christ. You have power and authority in Christ over whatever evil comes against. There is evil in the world and even people we love can allow Satan to work through them because of ego, jealousy, envy or other inner problems they might have. Jesus gave us power to tread over serpents, scorpians and over all the power of the enemy and NOTHING SHALL HURT US (Luke 10:19)!
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” – 2 Timothy 1:7
5. Remember that you are not alone
Gaslighting can be a lonely experience, but remember that you are not alone. Seek out friends, family, or a community of support to help you through this difficult time. Know that God is with you every step of the way. At the time I was healing I didn’t reach out to others specifically for the problem. However, I found a Word church to attend daily to help me learn the Word to heal. In the process, I was with other Christians and not alone.
From that experience, I will advice to remain closest with seasoned Christians rather than new Christians who may still have worldly habits and manipulation skills. These can prevent or slow down your healing progress. This happened to me and it made me even more depressed until I learned to center on God.
Through prayer, I learned what persons to have relationships with, and which persons to avoid or have superficial relationships with. Remember, until you are healed, there may be a part of your personality that is still vulnerable to manipulators. So remain with helpful and loving Christians, and avoid harmful Christians who are still learning the Word of God and about His love.
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18
Gaslighting can be an incredibly harmful and isolating experience, you can overcome gaslighting if you’re motivated and by trusting in God. Along with spiritual help, it can be helpful to seek support, set boundaries, and practicing self-care. Victims of gaslighting can find strength and restoration. Remember that you are loved and valued, and that God is always by your side.
However, if you’re not sure that someone is gaslighting you get familiar with the signs to help you.
Signs Of Gaslighting
As you’ve learned, gaslighting is a form of mental abuse where victims are manipulated to doubt their own reality. Whether in personal relationships or at work, gaslighting can have various devastating effects on individuals’ reactions and outlooks. This is why I’ve included the behaviors and language patterns of gaslighting, the long-term effects, and strategies to help identify and manage the tactic.
Behaviors and Language Patterns of Gaslighting:
Gaslighting typically occurs over a prolonged period and often takes the form of a persistent attack on the victim’s credibility, leaving the victim questioning their own sanity. Behaviors commonly seen in individuals who are victims of gaslighting include:
1. Denial of the facts. Gaslighters often deny obvious realities, ignore facts, or present an alternate version of events that contradict a victim’s perception, leaving them confused and anxious.
2. Blaming the victim. A gaslighter will shift blame onto the victim, making the victim believe they are to blame for whatever issue the two parties are disputing.
3. Manipulation. To gain control over another person, the gaslighter often uses manipulation and intimidation tactics to control the victim’s thoughts.
4. Creating doubt. Gaslighters might habitually make the victim question their sense of judgment, decisions, or memories.
5. Minimizing the victim’s feelings. The gaslighter may try to rationalize “overreactions,” shift blame, or tell victims that their emotions are invalid.
Long-Term Effects:
The long-term effects of gaslighting can be severe and ongoing. Victims of gaslighting may experience issues such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Trust issues, difficulty making decisions, and strained relationships with family and friends are also commonly associated with gaslighting.
Victims often struggle with trusting reality or people around them and may often be unable to distinguish truths and untruths. Knowing God’s Word, which is the same yesterday, today and forever, will keep you grounded in the truth of what’s happening to you. This is why Christian transformation is vital for healing.
Strategies to Identify and Take Control Over The Gaslighting:
There are a few ways to identify and overcome gaslighting. Below are some practical and professional strategies that can help individuals identify and manage gaslighting in their personal or professional life:
1. Believe yourself. Trust your perception of things and keep in mind that gaslighting aims to make the victim second-guess their reality. Don’t become self-centered, but protect and love yourself in Christ. See your life as valuable to God because He loves you and has a purpose or plan for you to accomplish.
2. Seek support. Consider seeking professional help to manage the emotional trauma of gaslighting, such as therapy or counseling. However, do a little research to get the right person for your specific need and one that will respect your Christian point of view. Also, practice Godly values to prevent getting involved in revenge, hatred, violence or any negative behaviors. Your victory is guaranteed in Christ, but only by following God’s Word.
3. Keep records. Write down incidents or interactions with gaslighters to hold them accountable and remind yourself of the reality of the situation. Take this seriously because professional people or police will want to know exactly what is happening to you. Take photographs where necessary. This will also help you to see that what you’ve been growing through is a reality in spite of being told otherwise.
4. Set boundaries. As I’ve said, establishing and asserting personal boundaries can help set the tone for a relationship that is less likely to progress into gaslighting or to stop it. Take control over your life, but be safe! If you feel that you’re in danger, trust God for protection and seek the police or local agencies that can help you.
REMAIN STRONG IN PRAYER!
Resources and References
If you are dealing with emotional abuse and manipulation from a narcissistic or abusive person in any way, know that there are resources available to help you. Some helpful resources include:
– National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
– National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
– Loveisrespect.org: 1-866-331-9474
– The National Association for People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC): 0800 085 3330
Overcome Gaslighting Conclusion
In conclusion, gaslighting can have long-term negative effects on the victim’s mental and emotional wellbeing. Recognizing gaslighting behaviors and strategies to manage them is the first step towards taking control of the situation. If you are a victim of gaslighting, do not hesitate to seek help from your pastor, friends, family, or a mental health professional. Remember, you are not alone, God loves you, and help is available.
Overcome Gaslighting With Scripture, Prayer and Practical Solutions For Home
