Overcoming TraumaSample

Healing Steps

The effects of trauma in our lives can feel unbearable at times, and at the same time, even when we come face-to-face with our overwhelming pain, we can still have hope. Our traumas may be deep, but our stories aren’t over.

Jesus desires to set us free from the effects of our past traumas. He desires to bring healing and transformation. We can rest assured that Jesus cares, because He says He came for the sick, not the healthy (Mark 2:17) and to heal the brokenhearted and bind up their wounds (Psalm 147:3). He came to set the captives free (Luke 4:18) and so that we may have life to the full, here and now (John 10:10). He will one day make all things new and wipe away every tear from our eyes (Revelation 21:4) as we enjoy an intimate relationship with Him in a place that is even greater than Eden (Revelation 21:1–3).

Healing from deep trauma has been a journey in my life. See, I experienced repeated emotional and physical abuse from my father growing up and neglect from my mother, in addition to betrayal and bullying from peers. It has taken years, but I’m thankful to say God has brought deep healing to my life. Four key tools I’ve gained after 15 years of therapy, neuroscience research, theological studies, and firsthand experience of God’s intervening work in my life are:

1. Name the trauma. Jesus came to bind up and heal our wounds (Psalm 147:3), but we must understand what those wounds are so that we can take them to Him and invite Him to heal them. This often happens over time, as we sit with a therapist or a close friend and share about our lives growing up. Many things that appear normal to us are actually traumatic, and we need others to point that out.

2. Allow yourself to process anger and grief. We need to feel to heal. Mourning the injustice we have experienced and being comforted by a safe person is important for healing. Jesus says, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted” (Matthew 5:4). Grieving is the body and soul’s natural God-given way of healing and processing emotional distress. Cry out to God about it. Talk to a friend about it. All throughout the bible we see people mourning, grieving, being angry, and letting themselves feel when in pain. We can do that too.

3. Reframe the lies. Trauma often leads us to believe lies about ourselves, such as “I’m a reject”, “I’m worthless”, or “I’m inadequate”. What lies have you believed? What truths from God’s Word give you assurance and hope to counter those lies? Sit with God and experience His truth intellectually and emotionally. Memorize the verses you need so you can come back to these truths and experience them when sadness, shame, or lies surface again. Experience what it feels like to be loved, accepted, and adequate because of God.

4. Heal in relationships. We are often hurt in relationships, but we also heal in relationships. The New Testament uses the phrase “one another” 100 times. We need one another. We need deep acceptance where we have experienced deep rejection. We need deep love where we have experienced acts of deep hatred and harm toward us.

Whatever attacks, absences, and trauma we experience, we can take heart because Jesus has already overcome the world. Our battles are temporary. One day, when we see Jesus face-to-face, it will outweigh every traumatic experience.

Thought of the Day: No matter what trauma I’ve faced in my past, I know the Healer. No matter what storm I’ve faced, I know the Anchor. No matter what circumstances I’m facing, I know the One who holds the future.

For more help and resources on overcoming emotional and mental health struggles, check out resolutionmovement.org