One of the most common things I see with people who have had difficult pasts is that they are scared to surrender everything to God.
God has to teach them over time the importance of giving it all to him.
For people with difficult pasts it is hard to put it all on his hands. You may experience anxiety, fear, etc until after you are good with him being in control.
To be honest we dont want anyone being in control but ourselves but he is the only way.
So no matter what it takes, choose to surrender to the Almighty God. You wont me sorry.